More than 20 nonprofit organizations in the San Fernando Valley received grants to improve their security measures following the Colleyville hostage standoff that occurred in a Texas synagogue last month.Â
California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who represents Woodland Hills, announced the distribution of $4.8 million to nonprofits in his constituent area through the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program. Gabriel chairs the California Legislative Jewish Caucus.
“Because of the rise of antisemitic events across this nation, security is a concern to every synagogue regardless of its size,” Rabbi Jon Hanish of Temple Kol Tikvah in Woodland Hills, and a grant recipient, said in a statement. “Without grant assistance, it would be difficult for smaller institutions like Kol Tikvah to fully protect themselves. While I wish these types of grants weren’t needed, they are. I am so appreciative of the assistance given to us by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the State of California and the Jewish Caucus.”
The California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program, authored by Gabriel following the deadly shooting at a Chabad synagogue in San Diego County in 2019, awards grants to fund critical security enhancements at religious institutions, LGBTQ community centers, reproductive health facilities and other nonprofits in California deemed to be at risk from violent extremism. The funds may be used toward expenses including planning, equipment, training, construction and renovation or contracted security.
“Colleyville, Texas may be thousands of miles away, but the hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel was deeply personal for many communities in the San Fernando Valley,” Gabriel, who chairs the California Legislative Jewish Caucus, said in a statement. “It was a sad and shameful reminder that our houses of worship are always targets, and that security training and enhancements can mean the difference between life and death. This funding can make a real difference, and I am committed to working with my colleagues to ensure that the state of California steps up to protect all vulnerable communities targeted by hate.”
The Colleyville hostage situation unfolded on Jan. 15 when Malik Faisal Akram, a 44-year-old British Pakistani armed with a pistol, took four people hostage during a Sabbath service. The hostages escaped unharmed following a 10-hour standoff and Akram was killed by FBI agents.