The Forward’s June 5 story, “Jews Face Special Risks, Napolitano Says,” is commendable for its clear assessment of the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program.

The purpose of NSGP is to support nonprofit organizations that are at increased risk of terrorist threats and to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts.

A decade ago the FBI issued a nationwide warning that terrorists could use fuel tanker trucks to attack synagogues or Jewish schools, as had happened in Morocco. They said to be vigilant because the threat was credible, although there was no information about when or where an attack might occur. The Jewish Federations of North America, with key communal partners, heeded this call in establishing NSGP and the Secure Community Network.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

The state of Jewish communal risk is no less significant today, as Napolitano remarked to the Forward’s editorial staff. She pointed to foreign entities, homegrown extremists and domestic hate groups. She further debunked any misapprehension that the program is wasteful or unfairly favorable to Jewish institutions. Many in Congress from both sides of the aisle also see the value, and we are working with them to preserve the NSGP program for the future.

We commend the Forward and Napolitano for addressing the merits of the NSGP program and holding it up to the light. This new clarity will enhance Jewish communal security at a time of particularly elevated risks to our institutions.

William Daroff
Vice President, The Jewish Federations of North America
Washington, D.C.

The Forward is free to read, but it isn’t free to produce

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward.

Now more than ever, American Jews need independent news they can trust, with reporting driven by truth, not ideology. We serve you, not any ideological agenda.

At a time when other newsrooms are closing or cutting back, the Forward has removed its paywall and invested additional resources to report on the ground from Israel and around the U.S. on the impact of the war, rising antisemitism and polarized discourse.

Readers like you make it all possible. Support our work by becoming a Forward Member and connect with our journalism and your community.

This is a great time to support independent Jewish journalism you rely on. Make a gift today!

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.

$90 $180

$360

Other amount