Following an attack by Hamas on Israel and the current violence in Gaza, Montgomery County expedited $311,700 in nonprofit security grant funding Tuesday to Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Zoroastrian communities here.
County Executive Marc Elrich and members of the county council expedited the funds due to concern among these groups that they have been or will be threatened with violence motivated by hate and bias, according to a news release.
“These awards will provide immediate assistance to those organizations to invest in various security measures to protect their communities and facilities,” Elrich and councilmembers said in a statement.
“The conflict in the Middle East has created a heightened level of security concern in the Muslim and Jewish communities in Montgomery County,” Elrich said. “I have spoken with religious and community groups about the challenges they are facing, and the need to enhance security is paramount,” he said.
His statement continued, “We will not tolerate acts of hate by anyone. I hope all of us can grieve as we need to, but that we can also restrain ourselves from lashing out at our neighbors and friends. What has happened abroad should not change how we interact with people here at home.”
The awards, which were given mostly to schools and places of worship, ranged from $2,000 to $8,000 each.
“Montgomery County leaders are committed to doing everything we can to keep our residents safe and secure, especially in community gathering spaces and places of worship,” said County Council President Evan Glass.
“Given the escalating tensions across the world related to the ongoing violence in the Middle East, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a critical part of our efforts to keep residents safe. Hate has no home in Montgomery County. Our community continues its steadfast commitment to acceptance, equity and inclusion. As one of the most diverse communities in the nation, we are united in our efforts to ensure that all our residents feel welcome, safe and seen,” Glass wrote.
Jewish Community Relations Council Executive Director Halber praised the county for allocating the money quickly.
“The JCRC of Greater Washington is grateful to County Executive Elrich and the Montgomery County Council for expediting the allocation of security dollars to institutions that are at even greater risk because of the war in Israel and Gaza,” Halber said.
The Montgomery County Muslim Council (MCMC) Board of Directors also expressed gratitude.
MCMC issued a statement, noting, “In response to the disturbing rise in hate crimes, including Islamophobia, we appreciate the decisive and proactive measures taken by County Executive Marc Elrich and the County Council for recognizing the need for immediate funding to help protect faith-based institutions and other vulnerable groups.”
MCMC also wrote, “It is imperative to ensure the safety and security of these spaces, where individuals come together to worship, find solace, and build community. We are hearing from too many in our community who have experienced first-hand bigotry and are afraid to be visible as Muslims for fear of physical or verbal abuse.”
These new funds are in addition to about $900,000 that the county council appropriated in its Fiscal Year 2024 budget.
