Fund Will Distribute $250K to Secure Small Shuls in Brooklyn

By COLlive reporter

The UJA-Federation of New York announced the creation of an initial $250,000 fund to provide security enhancement packages to at least 50 small synagogues — also known as shtiebels — in Brooklyn.

The shuls in Midwood, Kensington, Williamsburg, Crown Heights, Borough Park, and Flatbush, have a capacity of fewer than 200 people and little or no staff, a press release said on Monday.

The program, to be run by the Community Security Initiative (CSI) — a joint initiative of UJA-Federation and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) — closes a crucial gap in funding that often leaves out smaller shuls from accessing funding from government or other sources for physical security enhancements.

The new security enhancement packages can include the installation of new doors, locks, and video cameras, and will be followed by active shooter and access control training for staff or key congregants.

“No synagogue should be left without proper security measures just because they lack access to necessary funding,” said Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York. “Whether praying in the largest shul in Manhattan or the smallest shtiebel in Brooklyn, every Jew deserves the right to worship in peace and security.”

“Unfortunately, since 2018, at synagogues in Pittsburgh; Poway; Monsey; and Halle, Germany, access control and keeping threats from being able to enter our houses of worship has meant the difference between life and death for congregants,” said Mitchell Silber, executive director of the Community Security Initiative. “This program will fortify and protect some of our most vulnerable locations and communities.”

There are approximately 250 small synagogues in Brooklyn, and most do not have basic security measures in place to protect against increased threats that Jewish institutions are confronting, the UJA found.

The NYPD hate crimes unit reported 22 hate crimes against Jewish people so far this year, compared to eight in the same time period last year.

Small synagogues are left without security funding for many reasons, but notably they are often unable to access funding from federal grants, such as from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program because they lack staff that can manage the arduous grant application process.

The new fund is intended to bridge this funding gap for smaller synagogues and offer significant improvements to basic security infrastructure and overall safety.

The physical upgrades and trainings will be coordinated in partnership with community groups, including Agudath Israel of America, Boro Park Jewish Community Council (BPJCC), Crown Heights Jewish Community Council (CHJCC), and Council of Jewish Organizations of Flatbush (COJO), as well as neighborhood civilian patrols.

“Unfortunately, criminals who hate do not distinguish between small or large houses of worship,” said Assembly Member Simcha Eichenstein. “They will seize any opportunity to wreak havoc, no matter the size or type of synagogue. That’s why security is imperative in every single house of worship. I am thankful and applaud UJA-Federation for this initiative to provide security at our smaller local synagogues, and I strongly encourage all our shuls to take advantage of this vital program.”

“Agudath Israel appreciates UJA-Federation making resources available at JCRC-NY to enhance the security of our precious botei knessios and botei medroshos,” said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of Agudath Israel of America. “With the understanding that Hashem provides our ultimate protection, we must do all that is in our power as well, and Agudath Israel is pleased to do its part by assisting with implementation and spreading to its constituent congregations.”

Synagogues seeking funding and training can apply online at jcrcny.org/smallshuls

The Community Security Initiative (CSI) will review and process applications and begin to schedule visits by a security consultant. Once the enhancements are complete, CSI will provide training regarding access control and active threat.