The St. Louis delegation included Michael Lourie, vice president of public affairs; and former Missouri State Rep. Stacey Newman; Dan Friedman and Patty Bloom, board members.

Last week, members of the Jewish Federation of St. Louis traveled to Washington, DC to advocate for Jewish community security amid rising threats and stalled federal funding. They joined nearly 400 Jewish leaders from more than 100 communities nationwide for the United for Security Emergency Leadership Mission, organized by Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

The goal: urge lawmakers to adopt a six-point plan that includes increased federal security grants, enforcement of hate crime laws and regulation of online incitement.

“We are here to speak with one voice,” said JFNA President and CEO Eric D. Fingerhut. “We know there are many things on the nation’s agenda, but we must insist that the safety and security of the Jewish community and the battle against domestic terror be at the very top.”

Local leaders join national push for Jewish community security

The St. Louis delegation included Michael Lourie, vice president of public affairs; Patty Bloom and Dan Friedman, board members; and former Missouri State Rep. Stacey Newman. Together, they met with the offices of Senators Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley and Representatives Wesley Bell, Ann Wagner and Jason Smith.

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Michael Lourie, Cong. Wesley Bell and former Missouri State Rep. Stacey Newman.

Danny Cohn, president and CEO of Jewish Federation of St. Louis, praised the delegation’s work and underscored the importance of their message.

“We are deeply grateful to the members of our St. Louis delegation, who gave their time, energy and voices to represent our region,” Cohn said. “Together, they called on lawmakers to support stronger protections for synagogues, schools, summer camps, community centers and all places where Jewish life thrives. This wasn’t about politics, this was about protecting our people.”

Michael Lourie said the meetings focused on both the threats facing Jewish institutions and the toll of having to privately fund their own security.

“We talked about the investments we have made—and continue to make—in funding our own safety,” Lourie said. “These are resources and dollars that could be used for programs and experiences to create a vibrant Jewish community.”

He added, “Both sides of the aisle understood the growing threats of antisemitism since Oct. 7 and valued gaining a better understanding of what we must do to create safe events and spaces to gather, pray and celebrate.”

Security grants released as communities await more support

The advocacy came as the Department of Homeland Security announced the release of $94 million in federal security grants through FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The funding will support more than 500 Jewish institutions nationwide—yet it represents less than half of what Congress already appropriated.

“We welcome the release of these important funds but are still awaiting details about how they will support grants for our St. Louis community,” Cohn said in a statement to the Jewish Light. “DHS must release the remaining funds so we can continue to enhance programs and partnerships that keep our community safe.”

Over the past few years, St. Louis-area synagogues, schools and community centers have received more than $1 million in NSGP funding to bolster security across local institutions. That support has gone toward physical upgrades like reinforced doors, secure entry vestibules, blast-resistant glass, surveillance cameras and alarm systems.

“These are more than defensive investments,” Lourie said. “They send a message that Jewish life in St. Louis will remain open, vibrant and protected, even against evolving threats.”

If the full supplemental funding is released, Lourie said local institutions would be able to strengthen security further while easing the pressure on overstretched budgets.

“The rise in antisemitism has placed high financial burdens on Jewish institutions,” he said. “We are calling for the full release of NSGP funding to both enhance our security efforts and allow organizations to rededicate dollars back into their core missions.”

Trainings continue as part of long-term security plan

In addition to securing federal support, Federation leaders say building community resilience remains a top priority.

“We have received a very positive response to our Stop the Bleed and Situational Awareness trainings,” Lourie said. “Safety trainings have always been an important part of the Federation’s security plan and we are going to offer more sessions in the coming months to help keep our community confident and resilient.”