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JFNA Statements on Proposed Senate Appropriations Bills

The Jewish Federations of North America made the following statements on proposed Senate Appropriations bills:


On the Homeland Security bill, which included $180 million for the Nonprofit Security Grants Program (NSGP):


“The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a bedrock of security for the Jewish community, and we are grateful to Congress for the continued, bipartisan commitment to securing all at-risk communities. At the same time, in light of the frightening and unacceptable increase in violent extremism and antisemitic attacks, Jewish Federations will continue to advocate for additional funding to keep our communal institutions safe,” Fingerhut said.


“This is just one element of the private-public partnership needed to secure Jewish communities, which is why Federations have embarked on a historic $54 million LiveSecure campaign to ensure that every Jewish community has access to security resources and knowhow,” he added.


Background:

  • The NSGP provides nonprofits with grants to help them secure their facilities.
  • While the amount recommended is short of our goal of $360 million—a level supported by nearly 160 House members from both parties and a level recommend by the committee for FY 2021—we understand the challenges associated with the bill. The spending level for the bill was described this summer as just enough to sustain current DHS programs and initiatives.
  • Jewish Federations have been grateful for the substantial funding increases the NSGP program has achieved with bipartisan support over the past 5 fiscal years, rising from $25 million in FY 2017 to $180 million in FY 2021. These increases came in recognition of an unprecedented time for faith- and community-based security. Unfortunately, the scope of the threat is considerable and continues to grow.


On the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education bill, which recommended $6 million for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program (HSAP):


“The country's remaining Holocaust survivors, their families, and their care providers rely on critical support for the the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program," said Elana Broitman, JFNA Senior Vice President, Public Affairs.


"We are grateful for the increased funding, and urge final passage at the House-recommended level of $10 million for 2022," she added.


Background:

  • Approximately one third of the Holocaust survivors in the U.S. are estimated to be living in poverty. As a group, Holocaust survivors are subject to increased risk of depression, social isolation, and extremely poor outcomes if they don’t receive the proper care.
  • The committee recommended $6 million funding level for the Holocaust Survivor Assistance Program in fiscal year 2022, a 20 percent increase over current levels, while the House recommended a $10 million funding level.

 

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) are the backbone of the organized Jewish community in the U.S. and Canada, representing over 300 Jewish communities. They raise and distribute more than $2 billion annually and through planned giving and endowment programs to support Jewish communities domestically and in Israel.