Synagogues, Islamic school awarded grant money for security upgrades

By: Brittany Comak

Email: BComak@abc6.com

Twitter: @BComakABC6

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) – Four Rhode Island synagogues and one Islamic school will be getting security upgrades thanks to grant money from the federal government.

The money from the Department of Homeland Security Non Profit Security Grant Program is aimed at improving security at institutions that are likely to be the target of a terrorist attack.

This year’s recipients are Chabad of West Bay in Warwick, Touro Synagogue in Newport, Temple Emmanuel in Providence, Temple Shalom in Middletown, and the Islamic School of Rhode Island in West Warwick.

With Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur around the corner, Temple Emanu–El in Providence is readying for a meaningful few weeks of celebration and reflection.

Part of that preparation is making sure the synagogue has effective security measures in place.

“It’s not just about bringing out the right mahzorim – the right prayer books, making sure the sermons are good, and that the music sounds great,” said Rabbi Michael Fel. “Our synagogue is also worried about the security of the building itself. And congregants should know that we take security concerns seriously.”

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency awarded the $150,000 in grant funding recently.

“The last year we’ve seen shootings at two different synagogues across the country,” said Adam Greenman of the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, referring to the domestic terrorist attacks at synagogues in San Diego and Pittsburgh in the last year.

According to Greenman, their organization helps synagogues statewide to apply for this funding by working with security professionals to assess each building.

“Even here in Rhode Island where we have a state that’s founded on religious tolerance, and where we see a really great interfaith community, it’s always important to be vigilant,” said Greenman.

At Temple Emanu–El, and at most synagogues, there will be a police detail during the holidays. Though at Emanu–El, they say, it’s been more constant in the last year.

“We’ve had a strong police presence ever since Pittsburgh,” said the temple’s Executive Director Paul Stouber.

Fel says congregants should feel totally safe going to pray there at any time.

“In order to focus on the liturgy, focus on our values, focus on the stories in our sacred texts, they also need to feel comfortable sitting in the pews as well,” said Fel.

Though the synagogue could not get into the specifics of what they will use the money for, the Islamic School of Rhode Island plans to use the money on new fencing around the building. They say they sometimes feel vulnerable going outside, and this will help protect their playground more.

WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019