Jewish News - Shannon Levitt | Staff Writer Mar 24, 2023
Legislation to provide funding for security assistance to small nonprofit organizations, including synagogues and Jewish organizations, at high risk of terrorist attacks and hate crimes due to their mission or beliefs, passed its first big hurdle on Tuesday.
Senate Bill (SB) 1713 passed Arizona’s Senate by a vote of 20-9, representing a supermajority of legislators and bipartisan support, making it a standout in a legislative session otherwise noted for strict party-line voting.
The bill designates that funds will go towards deterrence and target-hardening applications such as installing security cameras, gates and fences that make a facility harder to penetrate, security guards and preparing for active shooter scenarios.
“This could be a game changer for small and medium-sized religious communities,” said Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman, president of the Greater Phoenix Board of Rabbis and spiritual leader of Congregation Kehillah in Cave Creek.
Sharfman is also part of the leadership teams of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Phoenix (JCRC) and Arizona Faith Network (AFN), organizations that have been working on this legislation since before the COVID-19 pandemic.