More Than $500K in Security Grants Set for Bergen Jewish Institutions

Eight Jewish institutions in Bergen County will share more than $500,000 in grants as part of a federal program to boost security at non-profit organizations, officials said.

In Teaneck, three synagogues and a Jewish high school were awarded the security funding under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Urban Area Security Initiative Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Congregations in Tenafly, Franklin Lakes and Paramus also received funding.

“Grant funds will be used to target-harden these sites, and will improve the prevention, response and recovery capabilities at these locations throughout the [Urban Area Security Initiative] area, which in turn enhances the entire State’s resiliency efforts,” Edward Dickson, the state Homeland Security director, said in a statement.

Organizations must use the funding for installing and buying physical security equipment or for security-related training for organization personnel, according to Dickson.

Bergen County synagogues were attacked in a series of firebombings in 2011 and early last year. Local police beefed up patrols around local Jewish organizations before county prosecutors charged two men in the assaults.

A Rutherford congregation firebombed in the attacks received a security grant last year. The Jewish Community Center of Paramus, also targeted, was awarded a grant this year.

More than 70 non-profits submitted grant applications in the most recent round of funding, according to state officials.

Click through the photos above to see a full list of grant awards in New Jersey, or visit the state Homeland Security website.