Nashville Islamic Center Told To Increase Security

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Nashville Islamic Center Told To Increase Security


Aug 29, 2010 7:34 PM CDT

by Kim Gebbia

MURFREESBORO, Tenn.-The search is on for the person who set fire to construction equipment at the proposed site of a Murfreesboro mosque. The construction equipment is charred and draped with crime tape. The construction has been temporary put on hold. Meanwhile, federal agents put other Islamic Centers in the area on high security.

Camie Ayash, a spokesperson for the mosque in Murfreesboro said, "If it is some kind of sign, and the message is to be scared, honestly it's working."

The Islamic Center of Nashville is increasing police patrols around the facility. It was a suggestion from ATF and FBI agents to the Islamic Center in neighboring Nashville after concerns that the contention in Murfreesboro could rear its ugly head at this mosque in the 12 South Neighborhood.

Imam Mohamed Ahmed says they have been a peaceful part of the community for thirty years and cannot understand why the debate to build a similar site anywhere in America is even happening.

Ahmed says, "Any organization who wants to build their own worship organization or house of God, what is wrong with that? What is wrong with that? I have a hard time to understand."

Investigators are not calling what happened at the site arson, but members say when equipment is doused with gasoline and set on fire, it has all the makings of a hate crime. Ahmed hopes that this apparent attempt to thwart construction will be the worst of what's to come because he knows the debate in this community, state, and nation is far from over.

"I still remember the song we shall overcome and I truly believe in my heart that someday we shall overcome," said Ahmed.

[goldmonkey]

Feds ignore 'beat whitey night'. (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100824/NEWS01/8240366/-1/LIFE04/Police-say-it-s-very-possible-attacks-near-fairgrounds-had-racial-overtones)

[Book]

The Department of Homeland Security released $19 million to secure non-profits, the vast majority Jewish.

Of 271 institutions named in a list released this week by DHS, 254 are Jewish, including synagogues, schools, community centers and offices.

The funds were released as part of a congressionally mandated program in place since 2005 that targets institutions that are vulnerable to attack.

Security measures funded include “blast proof windows; reinforced doors, locks, gates, and fences; video surveillance; and other equipment and enhancements” as well as training, according to a release by the Jewish Federations of North America, the federations umbrelaa body that lobbies annually for the funding.

“The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is a proven resource that helps supplement the work of local and federal law enforcement to help keep us safe,” William Daroff, JFNA’s Washington director, said in a statement.

Other groups lobbying for the money include two Orthodox umbrella bodies, the Orthodox Union and Agudath Israel of America.

http://congregationalsecurityinc.com/blog/2010/07/homeland-security-releases-new-funds-to-jewish-non-profits/

http://www.ou.org/public_affairs/article/ipa_memo_on_department_of_homeland_security_fundin g/

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YOUNG ISRAEL SYNAGOGUES ACROSS THE U.S. ARE AWARDED HOMELAND SECURITY GRANTS

The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) announced that nine Young Israel branches from across the United States have been awarded 2010 Non-Profit Homeland Security Grants and will receive a total of approximately $700,000 to enhance security for their synagogues. Grants awarded under this program can be used for equipment for specific "target-hardening" activities, such as physical security enhancements, inspection and screening systems, and security training. The maximum grant award per applicant is $75,000. In addition, numerous non-Young Israel institutions who benefited from NCYI assistance also received awards.

"Securing our synagogues and safeguarding our congregants is of paramount importance," said NCYI Director of Synagogue Services Rabbi Mordechai Roizman. "We are delighted that this year nine Young Israel synagogues across the country will be able to upgrade and enhance their security practices through these much-needed funds."

For the past couple of years, NCYI has facilitated interactive seminars for its member branches and affiliates about the Non-Profit Homeland Security Grant from its New York City headquarters. The sessions have traditionally focused on how to complete the grant applications and the steps that applicants are required to take in order to be considered for a grant award.

Earlier this year, the National Council of Young Israel, in conjunction with the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, brought together over one-hundred synagogues and not-for-profit organizations for an interactive webinar discussion about the not-for-profit security grants.

In 2009, numerous Young Israel branches were awarded non-profit homeland security grants with the assistance of the National Council of Young Israel.

"The security and safety of our membership is of utmost importance to our Young Israel," said Wayne Greenberg, the Director of Public Affairs at the Young Israel of Staten Island, New York. "We are so fortunate to have the continued assistance of the National Council of Young Israel to guide us through the entire grant process."

http://www.youngisrael.org/

[goldmonkey]

http://i34.tinypic.com/710nso.png (http://lubavitch.com/news/article/2027610/FBI-NYPD-State-Department-Address-Security-Concerns-of-Intl-Chabad-Representatives.html)