Senators Hassan, Shaheen Push Department of Homeland Security and FBI to Help Protect Against Antisemitic Threats

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan, a senior member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen joined a bipartisan group of Senators in pushing the Department of Homeland Security and FBI to take additional action to help protect the safety and security of Jewish Americans, religious institutions, and organizations in our country that are vulnerable to increased threats and violence as a result of Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel on October 7. Senator Shaheen chairs the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that funds the FBI.

The Senators wrote, “While we appreciate the joint public safety notice issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to faith and community leaders on October 10, government agencies have a responsibility to continue to prioritize the safety and security of individuals and organizations vulnerable to violence, especially violence motivated by antisemitism, in real time, as the threat landscape evolves. As this effort continues, it is vital to prioritize information sharing to the maximum extent possible with targeted communities as well as state and local law enforcement partners. As you will recall, in May 2021, as violence perpetrated by Hamas against Israel escalated, antisemitic violence rose across the country. It is imperative that we work to prevent further targeted, antisemitic violence in the wake of the current conflict.”

“Ensuring the safety of Jewish Americans also requires increased coordination to prevent and respond to threats of violence. Such coordination is not only necessary between federal law enforcement agencies like DHS and the FBI, but also other federal agencies, including the National Security Council and the Department of Education, as well as local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders. Many individual agencies play a role in countering antisemitism, and close coordination between them is needed now more than ever to ensure that they can share data, intelligence, and best practices. Increasing federal interagency coordination and collaboration underscores America’s firm commitment to fighting antisemitism,” the Senators continued.

The Senators also called for additional funding and awareness of the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which Senator Hassan previously successfully expanded. Former President Trump signed into law bipartisan legislation cosponsored by Senator Hassan to codify that grant funding for houses of worship and nonprofit organizations must be available for small states like New Hampshire, not just major metropolitan areas, and Senator Hassan successfully worked to quadruple funding for the program. Senator Hassan also introduced the bipartisan Pray Safe Act to establish a federal clearinghouse through which faith-based organizations and houses of worship could access information on safety and security best practices, available federal grant programs, and training opportunities.

The full letter is available HERE and below:

Dear Secretary Mayorkas and Director Wray:

As members of the Senate and House Bipartisan Task Forces for Combating Antisemitism, we write to express our concern about the increase in antisemitic threats and incidents targeting Jewish Americans and Jewish organizations here in the United States. Unfortunately, following Hamas’ recent terrorist attacks in Israel, antisemitism is on full display in cities around the country, as well as on college and university campuses. Free speech is always protected in the public square, but speech inciting violence, as well as threats and acts of terrorism and violence, must be taken seriously. Given these pressing threats, we support an increase in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) in any upcoming supplemental funding legislation. 

While we appreciate the joint public safety notice issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to faith and community leaders on October 10, government agencies have a responsibility to continue to prioritize the safety and security of individuals and organizations vulnerable to violence, especially violence motivated by antisemitism, in real time, as the threat landscape evolves. As this effort continues, it is vital to prioritize information sharing to the maximum extent possible with targeted communities as well as state and local law enforcement partners. As you will recall, in May 2021, as violence perpetrated by Hamas against Israel escalated, antisemitic violence rose across the country. It is imperative that we work to prevent further targeted, antisemitic violence in the wake of the current conflict.

As such, we urge you to continue the work you have been undertaking to ensure the physical safety and security of Jewish Americans, religious institutions, and organizations, including synagogues, schools, and Jewish community centers. This includes taking additional steps to allocate sufficient resources toward and generate increased awareness of DHS’ NSGP. As you know, NSGP provides critical funding to support physical security and planning enhancements to keep at-risk nonprofits, including religious organizations and houses of worship, safe from violence.

Ensuring the safety of Jewish Americans also requires increased coordination to prevent and respond to threats of violence. Such coordination is not only necessary between federal law enforcement agencies like DHS and the FBI, but also other federal agencies, including the National Security Council and the Department of Education, as well as local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders. Many individual agencies play a role in countering antisemitism, and close coordination between them is needed now more than ever to ensure that they can share data, intelligence, and best practices. Increasing federal interagency coordination and collaboration underscores America’s firm commitment to fighting antisemitism.

We believe that implementation of Pillar 2 of the US National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism released earlier this year should be focused on the principal threats to the safety and security of Jewish communities, particularly incitement to violence. We believe this is the time to work together to implement several important aspects of this strategy.

We appreciate the critical role that your agencies play in protecting our nation. We stand ready to work with you to safeguard the physical safety and security of Jewish Americans who are facing increased threats. To support this work, it is important that Members of Congress are made aware of the current threat landscape, and any specific antisemitic threats and acts of violence. As such, we request an unclassified member briefing no later than October 31, 2023, detailing the current threat assessment, interagency coordination efforts, and preparedness and resilience measures your agencies have in place to prevent and respond to such violence.

Sincerely,

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