Victory for Lakewood: NJ Lawmakers Restore $2 Million Security Grant for BMG

Victory for Lakewood: NJ Lawmakers Restore $2 Million Security Grant for BMG

New Jersey lawmakers have restored a $2 million state security grant for Beth Medrash Govoha after the funding was removed from Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s proposed budget earlier this year, marking a significant victory for the Lakewood Yeshivah. The final budget package also includes $1 million in municipal aid for Lakewood Township. The restoration comes after months of concern following the governor’s initial budget proposal, which eliminated the long-standing security allocation for BMG while also reducing funding for the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The proposed cuts drew widespread criticism from community leaders, particularly amid the continuing rise in antisemitic threats targeting Jewish institutions. The $2 million appropriation will continue supporting security and anti-terrorism measures at Beth Medrash Govoha, one of the world’s largest yeshivos. The funding is administered through New Jersey’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program and is intended to help finance permanent and temporary security personnel, along with other protective measures designed to safeguard institutions considered at heightened risk of terrorist attacks or other acts of violence. In addition to the BMG funding, lawmakers approved a separate $1 million allocation for Lakewood Township in the final state budget. The security grant has been included in New Jersey budgets for several years and had previously received bipartisan support. Earlier this year, State Sen. Robert Singer spearheaded efforts to restore the funding, arguing that the security needs of Beth Medrash Govoha have only grown more urgent in light of increasing threats against Jewish schools and institutions. The restored funding was included as lawmakers finalized New Jersey’s record-setting state budget ahead of the June 30 deadline to avoid a government shutdown. {Matzav.com}