ANNAPOLIS, Md. (7News) — Across Maryland, houses of worship are investing more money into security as faith communities said protecting congregations has become a growing priority.
Synagogues, churches, mosques and other religious organizations are adding measures including surveillance cameras, access control systems, security personnel and other safety upgrades as they respond to concerns over hate crimes, threats and heightened political tensions.
At Congregation Kneseth Israel in Annapolis, security has become part of the synagogue’s annual budget. Security measures there include cameras, restricted-access entrances and security personnel. According to Maryland Matters, the synagogue spends about $90,000 each year on security.
Religious leaders said those costs can be difficult for smaller organizations to absorb, leading many to turn to government grant programs for help.
Maryland’s Protecting Against Hate Crimes Grant Program has made $10 million available this year for nonprofit and faith-based organizations looking to improve security. The program received more than $14 million in requests from 116 applicants, with funding awarded to about 84 organizations.
Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said concerns about antisemitism have contributed to increased anxiety within the Jewish community.
“Antisemitism has risen to unprecedented levels. And for the first time, we know that a majority. of the antisemitism is, by a slight majority, is being motivated by hate towards Israel. And when you add that with the fact that some many Americans soured on Israel based on recent polling, that it makes the Jewish community feel a little more jittery and a little more insecure.”
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The increased security spending comes as communities across Maryland continue to evaluate how to protect places of worship while keeping them welcoming spaces for members.
Counties are also expanding support. Montgomery County recently added an additional $500,000 to its nonprofit security grant program following heightened concerns about possible hate incidents, bringing the county’s total funding for the program this year to $1.7 million.
Faith leaders said the added resources are helping organizations make upgrades that were once considered optional but are now viewed by many as necessary for keeping congregations safe.
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