Since 2004, the NSGP has helped organizations improve security against terrorist threats and targeted violence. Yet today, only 43% of grant applications receive funding.

The bill will also strengthen law enforcement resources and threat assessments, protect Jewish students on campus and in schools, and require transparency from social media platforms to stop hate against targeted groups from spreading on their platforms.

Tragically, these fly-ins could not have been more timely. Just days ago, two teenagers attacked the Islamic Center of San Diego, killing three people. Their manifesto revealed motivations driven by extremist ideology and hatred toward Muslims, Jews, and many other marginalized communities. An attack on any American religious institution is an attack on all religious institutions. This violence undermines our collective safety and well-being. We have been in touch with the Muslim community this week to offer our sympathy, and the response has been one of gratitude and a shared commitment to safety.

These horrific attacks in the last year have brought up painful memories in our own community. This summer marks 20 years since an attacker, motivated by antisemitic bigotry, forced his way into the Federation office, shooting at people, wounding five, killing one staff member, and leaving lasting scars on our community. Since that terrible day, the Federation has worked to advocate for greater security for all our institutions across the region – from preschools to day schools to synagogues and community centers.

I encourage you to take action and contact your legislators, asking them to support this bill and protect our Jewish community.