JTA: The Global News Service of the Jewish People

Some post-bombing arrest reaction

By Eric Fingerhut · May 22, 2009

In the wake of Wednesday's arrests of four men for allegedly conspiring to bomb two Bronx synagogue, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism sent out new security information to its 700 member shuls. The documents included information on the course of actions to take if an Improvised Explosive Device is discovered,  and guidelines on performing countersurveillance in order to detect hostile surveillance.

Meanwhile, the United Jewish Communities say this week's arrests reaffirms the continued need for and importance of the federal funding of grants for the security of nonprofit institutions. President Obama  requested an additional $15 million be included in the 2010 budget for that purpose.

"We applaud the ‘job well-done’ of the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force whose dedication resulted in thwarting the terrorist plot to bomb Jewish institutions, but this instance should serve as a sobering reminder to synagogues and Jewish institutions across the country to remain vigilant in their security efforts,” said William Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of UJC/Jewish Federations of North America's Washington office. The full UJC release is after the jump:

The thwarted terrorist plot against synagogues and Jewish institutions in New York this week reaffirms the continued need for and importance of federal funding for nonprofit security, says a leading Jewish advocacy group.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York Police Department on Wednesday uncovered a plot to bomb two synagogues in Riverdale, New York, as well as to shoot down military planes flying out of an installation in Newburgh, New York.  This is the second major domestic terrorism plot against Jewish institutions foiled by federal authorities since September 11th.

UJC/Jewish Federations of North America leads efforts to advocate for the Urban Area Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides funding each year to assist at-risk nonprofits vulnerable to terrorist attack.  Since its inception in 2005, a total of $65 million, with another $15 million pending in FY 2009 appropriations, has been distributed across the country.  Last week, President Obama requested an additional $15 million be included in the final FY 2010 appropriations.  UJC is advocating for this year’s total to be increased to $25 million.

 “We applaud the ‘job well-done’ of the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force whose dedication resulted in thwarting the terrorist plot to bomb Jewish institutions, but this instance should serve as a sobering reminder to synagogues and Jewish institutions across the country to remain vigilant in their security efforts,” said William C. Daroff, vice president for public policy and director of UJC/Jewish Federations of North America's Washington office.  “The Nonprofit Security Grant program is now an integral part of the nation's homeland security preparedness planning and in light of recent events, is a vital asset for keeping our communities safe.”

The NSGP grants are used by at-risk community organizations, such as hospitals, places of worship, schools and community centers to improve their physical security, including the acquisition and installation of perimeter fencing and lighting; video surveillance and x-ray and metal detectors; reinforced or blast resistant doors, locks, and windows; gates and bollards, and related enhancements.