Goldman Lawler Introduce Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representatives Dan Goldman, a Democrat from New York, and Mike Lawler, a Republican from New York, introduced bipartisan legislation on Wednesday known as the Antisemitism Response and Prevention Act. This bill serves as a House companion to the Jewish American Security Act, which was introduced in the Senate.

The proposed legislation would increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $1 billion. These grants would extend to Jewish organizations, and additional funds could be directed toward law enforcement agencies. The bill also mandates the appointment of a dedicated antisemitism coordinator within the Department of Education and requires social media platforms to explain their policies regarding online antisemitism.

Lawler, who is Catholic, spoke about the current security situation. He said: "I can walk into my church without passing a security guard stationed outside. Jewish Americans don’t have that luxury, and it’s outrageous, and it should anger each and every one of us."

Goldman said: "We should not have to pay a Jewish tax to be able to go to synagogue, and this will not only increase the funding, but it also expands the range of areas that can be funded by the Nonprofit Security Grant to include, very clearly, security personnel and other types of security that have not currently included and that are now clearly essential."

Eric Fingerhut, CEO and president of the Jewish Federations of North America, said: "Jewish communities across the United States are facing a real and growing security crisis, and the federal government has a responsibility to ensure that all Americans can gather, worship, and live openly and safely as who they are."

A car-ramming attack occurred at Temple Israel in Detroit in March. Representatives from organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League, Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the American Jewish Committee, along with organizations affiliated with the Reform and Orthodox movements, attended a press conference in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.