Security Enhancement Program to Support Small Brooklyn Shuls

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Is your shul safe? The CSI has visited hundreds of community buildings to evaluate security. All too often, they are not secure. We can help.

An important lesson from the synagogue shooting in Halle, Germany and from the attack in Monsey, New York is that locked doors save lives. While government grants can cover large expenditures to enhance security, a more moderate grant to small synagogues could subsidize the installation of a video intercom/door release system and the repair of doors and door hardware.

UJA-Federation of New York created a fund at JCRC-NY to implement this program to support shuls and shtiebelach with their security needs.

Who is eligible? 1) Synagogues in Boro Park, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Midwood, Kensington and Williamsburg, 2) attended by less than 200 worshipers at one time, 3) have one employee or less, and 4) with buildings less than 5,000 square feet.
What is included in the package. We know that open doors can lead to disaster. This program will arrange for a qualified contractor to upgrade your door(s), install a quality Shabbos lock and the technology necessary for worshipers to easily enter during the week. The repairs and installations will be followed by security training. These relatively small investments (up to $5,000) at each location, can have a very big payoff in terms of potential lives saved.
Who are our partners? The Community Security Initiative (a joint program of UJA-Federation and JCRC-NY) will partner with the local civilian observation patrols and key community organizations in Boro Park, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Midwood, Kensington and Williamsburg to help us identify qualified locations and work with us on this project.
Is there a cost to the shuls? Synagogues will not be charged for any of the work performed in conjunction with this program.

Synagogues wishing to apply for a security upgrade should fill in the form below before March 11, 2022.