https://mirror.triblive.com/local/pittsburgh-synagogues-and-jewish-centers-awarded-nearly-1m-in-state-security-grants/
Pittsburgh synagogues and Jewish centers awarded nearly $1M in state security grants
A dozen Jewish centers and synagogues across Allegheny County have been awarded more than $953,000 in state funding to boost security, and additional money is going to other cultural centers in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
This includes $150,000 for the Tree of Life synagogue in Squirrel Hill, site of the deadliest antisemitic event in U.S. history. It is part of more than $19 million awarded to organizations across Pennsylvania for security upgrades and for local governments to recruit more police officers.
State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Squirrel Hill, said the funding will ensure the facilities have the security equipment, technology and upgrades needed to ensure visitors’ safety.
“Our sanctuaries and schools should be places of peace and reflection, but we know from bitter experience that threats and violence can shatter that tranquility and endanger congregants and other visitors,” said Frankel.
Antisemitic events have been on the rise recently, and have grown significantly since the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018.
The funding comes after the state legislature passed a bill to double security funding for religious and community institutions. Frankel and state Sen. Jay Costa, D-Forest Hills, advocated for the bill.
Other organizations in Allegheny County to receive funding include Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh ($25,000), Center of Life ($46,000), Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh ($24,000) and St. Michael’s Orthodox Church ($23,000). The Tri-City Life Center Inc. in Westmoreland County received $17,500.
The city of Clairton was awarded $20,000 and Westmoreland County Commissioners were awarded $25,000 for police recruitment efforts.
Funding for Jewish institutions and synagogues in Allegheny County include:
Bnai Emunoh Chabad Inc., $75,000. Chabad Lubavitch of South Hills, $150,000. Community Day School, $25,000. Congregation Kether Torah, $25,000. Congregation Poale Zedeck, $150,000. Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, $111,500. Lubavitch Center, $25,000. Rodef Shalom Congregation, $25,810. Temple Emanuel of South Hills, $20,000. The Jewish Spark, $75,000. Tree of Life, $150,000. Yeshivath Achei Tmimim of Pittsburgh, $75,000.Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)