Either way, Rep. Anthony Weiner last week touted his work in helping 12 Brooklyn non-profit and religious institutions get federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants.
Among the “high-risk” non-profits, according to Weiner, that are receiving federal funds include such vulnerable targets as the Medical Rehabilitation Center in Borough Park.
Yeshiva, hospital labeled ‘high-risk’ targets – Congressman secures Homeland Security funds for Brooklyn sites
Is it money to bolster security against possible terrorist attacks or fishing Brooklyn’s non-profit waters for potential mayoral votes?
Either way, Rep. Anthony Weiner last week touted his work in helping 12 Brooklyn non-profit and religious institutions get federal Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grants.
Among the “high-risk” non-profits, according to Weiner, that are receiving federal funds include such vulnerable targets as the Medical Rehabilitation Center in Borough Park.
“It’s high time DHS realized that our non-profit institutions were at risk,” said Weiner in announcing the awards.
“Worshipers, museum goers, and hospital visitors expect and deserve a safe environment, and these grants will go a long way towards ensuring their safety,” he added.
The grants can be used for physical security enhancements like cameras and alarms, or inspection and screening systems like x-ray machines.
Institutions that qualified for the grant program were eligible to receive up to $100,000.
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The average award for grant winners this year is approximately $90,000, and the funds are expected to be delivered within the next 60 days, according to a Weiner press release.
Other borough institutions getting the award include Maimonides Medical Center in Borough Park, Mikvah Taharah of Congregation Yetev Lev in Williamsburg, Magen David Yeshiva in Bensonhurst and Merkos L’lnyonei Chinuch, Inc. in Crown Heights.
Additional recipients of the money included the Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton-Manhattan Beach, the Brighton & Manhattan Beach Yeshiva, Mikdash Melech of Borough Park, Metropolitan Jewish Health Systems in Bay Ridge, Yeshiva Ohel Moshe in Bensonhurst, and the Yeshiva of Manhattan Beach.
Interestingly, the Yeshiva of Manhattan Beach is located on the fourth floor of Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, 60 West Avenue, which as a separate non-profit entity didn’t receive any money.
Neither Rubin Margules, president of the Manhattan Beach Jewish Center, nor Jerry Greenwald, president of the Yeshiva of Manhattan Beach, returned calls for comment as to what makes the fourth floor of the building a “high risk” terrorist target and not the rest of the building.
Greenwald also publishes the Jewish Press.
A Weiner spokesperson said perhaps the reason that all 12 non-profit and health-related organizations were affiliated with the Jewish faith was because these institutions are more vulnerable to attacks.
“This is not to say a church couldn’t be blown up, but I would bet on a temple being blown up first,” said the spokesperson. “There are many instances of anti-Semitism.”
The spokesperson also noted that Weiner had “absolutely zero decision making on who was awarded the grants.”
The state accepted applications from legal non-profit institutions, who then looked at them and forwarded recommendations to the DHS, the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said Weiner did help create the program where “high-risk” non-profits would be eligible for DHS funds.
Additionally, the congress member held a seminar with over 100 different non-profit organizations in and outside his district for them to understand the application process, the spokesperson said.
Marla Sommer, executive secretary for the Manhattan Beach Young Israel of Bedford Bay, said she knew the organization applied for the money, but didn’t receive notice they were awarded yet.
“Mr. Weiner was very helpful in getting us the forms and filling them out,” said Sommer.
“We asked for cameras and cement planters that prevent cars from crashing into the building. We have a need for more security but have no money for it,” she added.
Sommer said the organization also applied for the grants last year, but didn’t receive any money.
In so far as Weiner’s possible run for mayor in 2009, Sommer said, “I think he would make a good mayor, but needs a little more experience.”
Grantsman
The reason that some institutions did not receive funds is because 1. they did not apply or 2. their application failed to meet standards necessary. This program was not a give away. Only 50% of national applicants were successful Mr. Weiner is taking credit, but the institutions themselves had to do the hard work of completing a very complex application process.