Seeking safety in dangerous times

Eight Nassau County Jewish institutions, including several in the Five Towns, will receive federal money for safety measures through the Department of Homeland Security’s nonprofit security grant program.

Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway, the Merrick Jewish Centre, Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst, and Young Israel of Oceanside have each been awarded $75,000.Yeshiva of South Shore in Hewlett has been awarded $73,673, and the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County has been awarded $50,000.

Funding is provided to improve security for nonprofit organizations at risk of terrorist attacks. “Preventing and preparing for acts of terrorism and other emergency situations is always a collaborative effort, and one of the most effective things we can do at the federal level is help vulnerable or high-risk institutions harden their facilities and enhance their emergency response capabilities,” Rep. Kathleen Rice (D-Garden City), a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said in a prepared release.

Safety measures are needed even at religious facilities, Rabbi Moshe Weinberger of Congregation Aish Kodesh said in the release. “The reality is that we live in dangerous times and the grant will go a long way towards making our synagogue safer.”

Rabbi Moshe Teitelbaum of Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst said: “We deeply appreciate Congresswoman Rice’s help in our having obtained the security grant for the sake of our synagogue.”