As we settle down from the Holiday Season, we want to take this opportunity to update you about Security at Ohab Zedek.
Last year - after a budget delay of several months - Congress reauthorized the Department of Homeland Security to once again offer Counter Terrorism Security Grants. After a complex and competitive process, we are happy to announce that we received the full grant - $75,000, which will be used to update our Security Systems: Cameras, Access, Alarms, Panic Buttons, and their accompanying equipment. Installation will commence at the end of October / beginning of November.
This past year, DHS announced a new round of grant funding. The max award was doubled to $150,000, and organizations no longer had to wait 3 or more years to be eligible to apply for another grant. Once again we applied, and B'H we were successful in securing the full amount. As a National Historic Site, we are able to use these funds to refinish our original doors (8 sets) that serve as access ways - a significant expense. Remaining funding will be used to install new fencing in the back and roof, and lighting around the perimeter. We are in the initial stages of this particular process and will have more updates towards the winter.
While equipment is an essential part of the Shul's Security - these grants do NOT assist with personnel. An integral part of any shul's security is having ears to the ground. We take this opportunity to invite you to join the dozen who have already volunteered for CSS training - a popular and successful lay initiative found in many synagogues throughout New York and New Jersey. Please contact
president@ozny.org for more information become a part of the pool of participants to set-up rotations.
Shana Tova & Kvittel Tov!
Ari Weitzner
President
Chad Hopkovitz
Executive Director
