With anti-Semitic hate crimes surging at an alarming rate, community leaders are concerned more than ever about safety and security at local shuls and synagogues. That’s why UJA-Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC-NY) joined forces with Senator Simcha Felder and Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein in an effort to urge local shuls to apply for a new security initiative, which offers security packages for increased protection at building entrances.

The program, funded by the UJA and operated by the Community Security Institute, is a joint venture of UJA Federation and JCRC-NY. Small shuls and shtiebels with less than 200 members in Boro Park, Crown Heights, Flatbush, and Williamsburg are encouraged to apply for this program. Simple cost-effective measures, such as well-secured locked doors, security cameras and basic security training, can make a tremendous difference and help save lives.

To reach out to community shuls that can benefit greatly from this program, Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein and Senator Simcha Felder co-hosted an event at the Assemblyman’s Boro Park district office on Tuesday afternoon. Representatives of dozens of local shuls attended, eager to begin the application process for the security grant funding. Eric Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation and Gideon Taylor of JCRC NY were present and available to answer any questions and help with the application process.

"We thank Assemblyman Eichenstein and Senator Felder for their support of this program, which will help lead to safer shuls and a stronger sense of security for all in our community,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO of UJA-Federation of New York.

“With rising anti-Semitic hate crimes and crime surging through our city we are living in a time of heightened security needs. In our neighborhoods, that means we must do everything in our power to secure and protect our Shuls and shteiblach that are the hub of daily life and the cornerstone of our existence. This program is a lifeline to congregations that couldn’t otherwise afford these vital security upgrades,” said Senator Simcha Felder. 

“We had a tremendous turnout,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, “and we’ve generated a lot of interest in this program. The concern about antisemitism in our area is real, and clearly the community is prepared to do everything possible to protect itself.

I thank UJA Federation and JCRC-NY for offering this crucial program, and I also thank Senator Felder and the BPJCC for their partnership in this endeavor. Antisemitism has no home here in New York City and this initiative will hopefully serve as a deterrent in the future and help save lives.”