Jack Schlossberg Pushes for Increased Security Funding for Places of Worship

Jack Schlossberg, the grandson of President Kennedy, is advocating for a significant increase in federal funding aimed at enhancing security at religious institutions following a protest that he labeled as violent outside a historic synagogue in Manhattan.

At 32 years old, Schlossberg is campaigning to succeed retiring Congressman Jerry Nadler in New York’s 12th District. He plans to double the allocation for the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which aims to bolster security for various nonprofit entities, including religious groups. “Houses of worship remain targets and really need help,” he expressed in an interview.

Interestingly, he made this funding proposal—boosting the budget from $270 million to a minimum of $500 million—the day before anti-Israel demonstrators assembled outside the Park East Synagogue on November 19, shouting slogans like, “Globalize the Intifada” and “Death to the IDF.”

The protesters were reportedly disruptive, targeting those attending an event hosted by a Zionist organization that assists American Jewish immigrants to Israel.

“To me, these weren’t just political protests; they were incitements to violence,” Schlossberg remarked. “I’m pretty sure most New Yorkers wouldn’t back that kind of rhetoric.”

He also condemned the anti-Semitic undertones prevalent today, stating, “We are in unprecedented times, and the fear surrounding anti-Semitism is palpable for many.”

Interestingly, Schlossberg shared that his grandfather, Alfred Schlossberg, was once the president of Park East Synagogue. Although he was raised Catholic, he identifies culturally as Jewish.

If elected, Schlossberg intends to prioritize a bill aimed at increasing NSGP funding and plans to expedite the process to get it to the House floor for a swift vote.

His initiative, referred to as the “Jack Fast Track” plan, proposes that some of the extra funds from FEMA be allocated to synagogues, community centers, Jewish schools, mosques, and churches. This funding is designed to enhance physical security and operational improvements while fostering collaboration between private organizations and public entities.

“The other night it was a synagogue, but it could have been a church, or it could have been a mosque. We need to ensure that these places of worship are safe,” he added.

Schlossberg, who has stirred some controversy with his social media presence prior to his candidacy, is one of many individuals vying to fill Nadler’s seat after his lengthy tenure of over three decades.