Newsom Approves Security Funding for Mosques Amid Hamas-Israel War

Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved millions of dollars in state funding to boost security at synagogues, mosques, and other places of worship amid fears that the Hamas-Israel war in the Middle East could cause violence in the states.

“Amid the horror unfolding in the Middle East following the unconscionable terrorist attacks in Israel, California is authorizing the immediate deployment of funds to increase security and police presence at places of worship across the state,” Newsom said in a statement. “No matter how and where one prays, every Californian deserves to be safe.”

Ten million dollars of the funding will be used for police officers posted at religious institutions and will be reimbursed based on time incurred.

Another portion of the funding, $20 million, will go to the California State Nonprofit Security Grant Program. This additional funding with double the initiatives budget for this fiscal year. The grant program allows state nonprofits to apply for grant funds that can be used to to increase security measures, like cameras and alarms.

Democratic California Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who authored the legislation that led to the establishment of the grant program, told The Los Angeles Times that this is an example of why this program was necessary.

“The sad reality is that we know, when there’s violence and conflict in the Middle East, it can lead to spikes of antisemitism in the United States,” Gabriel said.

Nonprofits and other religious organizations have until Oct. 27 to apply for the grant funding.