Nearly half a billion dollars is being requested to respond to an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic threats and violence nationally and in North Carolina.
Addressed to the Appropriations Committee leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives, four congressmen asked for $454.5 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The embattled Federal Emergency Management Agency, a part of the Department of Homeland Security led by Secretary Kristi Noem, is the administrator.
The Nonprofit Security Grant Program helps provide resources for security improvements against potential terrorist attacks at nonprofits. This includes faith-based organizations.
Four North Carolinians write, “Since Hamas’ appalling attack on October 7, 2023, we have seen an unprecedented rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in our country. Our Jewish and Muslim neighbors continue to face threats to their families, communities, and houses of worship.”
The 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment, as authored by Homeland Security, notes domestic violent extremists and homegrown violent extremists. The report says, “We particularly are concerned about the likelihood of violence motivated by developing domestic and global events, including the 2024 election cycle and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.”
The letter says, “We have an obligation to respond to these threats with robust NSGP funding to bolster the security of houses of worship. These religious communities need these resources to make necessary investments to keep their leaders, staff, members and facilities safe.”
The letter addressed to Chairman Tom Cole, R-Okla., and Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., is signed by Democratic U.S. Reps. Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee, Alma Adams and Don Davis.
