Nonprofit security grants surge in public testimony after Capitol Jewish Museum murders

Speakers representing Jewish congregations, community service organizations and interfaith groups told the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety on June 10 that nonprofits across the District face rising threats and need more municipal help for security work. Witnesses asked the Council to renew and increase the Safe and Secure DC grant program, originally funded at $500,000 for FY25 and now asked to be raised to $750,000 for FY26.

Witnesses described a sharp increase in antisemitic incidents, including the May 21 murders of Sarah Milgram and Yaron Leshinski outside the Capitol Jewish Museum. Beatrice Gerwitz, executive director of the Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum, told the committee the museum spent about $330,000 on security before the shooting and now expects costs to “more than double,” requesting an additional $500,000 to defray the increased burden. Rachel Feinstein of the Jewish Community Relations Council…