Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on April 11, 2024

David Bocarsly

SACRAMENTO, California The California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) announced on Wednesday $40 million in awards for the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CSNSGP).

[Six Jewish institutions in San Diego County received a total of $1,391,850 in security grants, including $250,000 each for the Chabad Hebrew Academy, Jewish Federation of San Diego County, and the little known San Diego Community Kollel, located on El Cajon Boulevard in the College area. Two grants of $249,000 each were made to Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Soille San Diego Hebrew Day School. Chabad of Pacific Beach will receive $143,850.]

The purpose of the program is to provide funding to strengthen building security and other physical enhancements to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk for violent attacks and hate crimes due to ideology, beliefs, or mission. Recipients of these funds include synagogues and other faith-based institutions, LGBTQ and community centers, and reproductive health facilities.

Security infrastructure has always been a priority for the Jewish community, but the need has increased dramatically since October 7th, said David Bocarsly, JPACs Executive Director. Today, we are relieved to know that synagogues and other institutions impacted by hate will be safer. Were grateful to Governor Newsom for continuing to prioritize this program, and to the Legislative Jewish Caucus for working with us to champion this request.

JPAC led the community-based advocacy efforts for this funding, which was championed by the Legislative Jewish Caucus, co-chaired by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Senator Scott Wiener, and supported by the Black, Latino, AAPI, and LGBTQ Legislative Caucuses.

During the 2023 budget negotiations, amidst a $32 billion budget deficit, Governor Newsom and the legislature put $20 million into the budget for this program. Following October 7th, the Governor unilaterally doubled the existing funding, bringing the total to $40 million. The state is facing an even bigger budget deficit this year and clawing back unspent funds to balance the budget. However, the Governors recent Golden State Plan to Counter Antisemitism (released April 5, 2024) committed to granting all $40 million dedicated for this program. Wednesdays announcement is the actualization of that commitment.

The CSNSGP was oversubscribed again this year, making the application process particularly selective. The state reviewed a record 1,254 applications totaling over $255 million in need in communities across California, nearly double the previous record. Only 193 applicants were awarded funding, representing around 15% of the applicant pool.

This program is critical to the institutions who were awarded funds, but the sheer number of applicants demonstrates that the demand for this program remains much higher, said Bocarsly. We will continue toadvocate for more funding in the upcoming budget cycle to meet the overwhelming need of Californias vulnerable communities.

* Preceding provided by the Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California.

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S.D. Jewish Institutions to Receive $1.14 Million in State Grants - San Diego Jewish World

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