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US Lawmaker Demands $1B Security Boost for Temples, Mosques, Churches

US Congressman Josh Gottheimer convened a meeting with homeland security officials and interfaith leaders to address rising threats against houses of worship. The discussion focused on the heightened risk environment linked to Middle East tensions and recent domestic attacks. A key solution is expanding the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which funds physical security upgrades for religious institutions. Gottheimer is pushing to increase the program's funding to $1 billion by 2027 to protect synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples.

Key Points: US Congressman Seeks Security Funding for Religious Sites

  • Calls for $1B security grant boost
  • Meeting addressed rising threats post-Iran conflict
  • Recent attacks on US synagogues cited
  • Federal grants fund cameras, guards for faith sites
2 min read

Post-Iran war, US Congressman seeks security for faith sites

Amid Middle East tensions, US Rep. Josh Gottheimer pushes for $1 billion in federal grants to protect synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples.

"No one should feel unsafe walking into a synagogue, church, mosque, or temple in New Jersey or anywhere in America. - Josh Gottheimer"

Washington, March 18

An influential US lawmaker has stepped up calls to boost security funding for religious institutions, including those of the Hindus, as rising Middle East tensions and recent attacks heighten fears among faith communities across the country.

Democratic US Congressman Josh Gottheimer convened homeland security officials and faith leaders in New Jersey on Tuesday to address what he described as a growing threat environment facing houses of worship.

The meeting brought together officials from the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP), including Director Thomas Hauck and Director of Preparedness Charles Ambio, along with leaders from Jewish, Christian, Hindu, and other religious communities.

Participants reviewed the current threat landscape and discussed coordination between law enforcement and faith institutions, with a focus on improving preparedness and response, a media release said.

"Right now, with rising tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict involving Iran, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant against threats - especially against our faith communities," Gottheimer said.

The discussion also examined how the conflict in the Middle East is shaping domestic security concerns and increasing pressure on local institutions to strengthen safeguards.

Gottheimer pointed to recent incidents as a warning sign.

"In recent weeks, there was an attack on a synagogue in Michigan and, right here in Teaneck, where a 19-year-old was shot with a pellet gun outside of a synagogue - a deeply disturbing reminder that antisemitism and hate are alive and well," he said.

He stressed that the risks extend across all religious groups.

"No one should feel unsafe walking into a synagogue, church, mosque, or temple in New Jersey or anywhere in America," Gottheimer said.

A central focus of the meeting was the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Programme (NSGP), which provides funding for security upgrades such as surveillance systems, access controls and trained personnel.

Gottheimer called for urgent action to expand the programme, saying he has been pushing to increase NSGP funding to $1 billion in fiscal year 2027.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative by the Congressman. Global tensions should not spill over into violence at home. Our gurdwaras and mandirs should be places of peace, not fear. Hope the funding comes through quickly.
A
Aman W
While the intent is good, I hope the implementation is fair. Sometimes these grants are hard for smaller community temples to access due to complex paperwork. The process needs to be simplified for all.
S
Sarah B
It's sad that this is even necessary. People should feel safe in their places of worship anywhere in the world. The focus on coordination between police and communities is the right approach.
V
Vikram M
As someone with family in New Jersey, this is reassuring. The mention of Hindu institutions specifically shows inclusive thinking. Security is a shared concern, whether in America or back home in India.
K
Karthik V
$1 billion sounds like a lot, but divided across the country and so many institutions, it might not be enough. Hope they prioritize based on genuine threat assessment, not just politics.

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