U.S. Allocates $210 Million More to Safeguard Faith Communities from Hate Crimes

October 3 :
In response to the increase in hate crimes induced by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the United States Department of Homeland Security announced on October 1 an increase of $210 million to safeguard nonprofits and faith-based institutions from targeted attacks. Following the attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent outbreak of Israel's war in Gaza and military operation in Lebanon, rights groups have expressed growing concerns about the safety of American Muslims, Arabs, and Jews.

Included in the major instances that have occurred in the United States in the past several months are the following: the attempted drowning of a Muslim girl, a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois, a Muslim man in Texas, a guy in New York, and three Muslim students in Vermont. A violent attack on a Jewish man in Michigan, an attempted plot to destroy a Jewish center in New York City, and threats of violence against Jews at Cornell University all resulted in convictions and sentencings.

The Homeland Security Department announced that the financing will enable companies to acquire the necessary personnel, technology, and resources to enhance security. The additional $210 million funding follows the announcement of $160 million in June.