In Florida, lawmakers have approved millions of dollars in funding to increase security at Jewish schools and community centers. The decision comes as antisemitic incidents have surged across the country since Oct. 7, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel.
The Florida House passed a bill that creates a nonprofit security grant program with $20 million to increase security at locations that are at high risk for violent attacks or hate crimes. Another $25 million is specifically set aside for Jewish day schools and preschools to increase their security.
Parent Ifat Aloni is thankful money could be on the way to help her child’s school increase security and Marc Hopin, CEO of Alpert Jewish Family Service is also thankful for the legislation. He says he has already increased security at his facility and will apply for funds as soon as he is able.
“I always thought it would be safe to be Jewish in the United States and now without some help I’m not so sure, and we need that help to feel a little safer right now,” said Hopin.
