Jewish Federation awards $25,000 to upgrade security at local synagogues

NEWBURGH — The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County has awarded $25,000 in security upgrade grants to five synagogues in Orange County.
“With hundreds of individuals coming to our synagogues for the Jewish High Holy Days, these grants are vital to ensuring the safety of our communities. We have unfortunately witnessed a steady rise of anti-Semitism, both nationally and right here in Orange County,” said Rabbi Rachel Rubenstein, Director of Education and Engagement at the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County. “We will not wait until the next incident occurs. It is our duty to be proactive in protecting and strengthening our Jewish communities. These grants are one step forward in our continued fight against anti-Semitism, and toward our vision of an Orange County free of all hatred.”
The synagogues to receive grants are:
Congregation Beth Hillel in Walden
Monroe Temple Beth El
Kol Yisrael in Newburgh
Temple Beth Shalom in Florida
Temple Sinai in Middletown
This grant is part of Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County’s Zachor Anti-Semitism Initiative. Through the Zachor Initiative, The Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County is fighting anti-Semitism and hatred in Orange County through education, public awareness, and community organizing.