Religious organisations in Maine are urging the state to establish a security grant programme, citing rising hate crimes and mounting frustrations with delayed federal funding. A proposed bill would allocate $1.5 million to help synagogues, mosques, and other nonprofits enhance safety measures.
Scott Nussinow, chair of the safety committee at Temple Shalom in Auburn, said the synagogue has used over half a million dollars in federal grants for alarms, cameras, and bullet-resistant glass. However, he described the application process under the current administration as a “nightmare,” with reimbursements delayed for months and no communication from officials.
Jewish and Muslim communities in Maine report increased fear since the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023, compounded by recent attacks such as a car-ramming at a Michigan synagogue. The Jewish Community Alliance of Southern Maine has tightened security after receiving death threats last summer.
State Representative Michael Brennan introduced the bill after hearing from faith leaders whose members are afraid to attend services. Hate crimes motivated by religion rose sharply in the US, with anti-Jewish incidents jumping nearly 60% in 2023, according to FBI data.
Maine would join at least 18 other states, including Massachusetts and Connecticut, in creating a state-funded security programme. The bill has passed the Judiciary Committee and is expected for a vote in the House of Representatives in the coming weeks.
