Jewish leaders from across the country, including Mississippi, met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to push for stronger protections following a surge in antisemitic violence.The Anti-Defamation League brought victims of hate crimes to Washington to urge Congress to pass key legislation and increase funding for security at places of worship.A new report shows antisemitic attacks are rising, with more Jews killed in 2025 than in any year over the past three decades. Advocates say those numbers are driving urgency in Washington.Among those speaking with lawmakers was Michele Schipper, a board member at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson.Schipper pointed to the January arson attack at the synagogue, saying federally funded security cameras were critical in identifying the suspect.“My community is proof that congressional funding can make a difference,” Schipper said. “The security cameras that helped identify the attacker who set my historic synagogue on fire were funded primarily through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. It is crucial that Congress increases funding for these grants to keep our communities safe and prevent other places of worship from falling victim to hate.”Leaders are calling for at least $1 billion in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides money for cameras, reinforced doors, security personnel and emergency training.They are also pushing for legislation to create a federal clearinghouse for grant information and security resources, as well as a bill that would establish federal penalties for intimidating or obstructing people within 100 feet of a place of worship.In Mississippi, the suspect accused in the Beth Israel arson, Spencer Pittman, remains in federal custody facing multiple charges. Authorities say he admitted to the crime after his arrest but has pleaded not guilty.
WASHINGTON —
Jewish leaders from across the country, including Mississippi, met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to push for stronger protections following a surge in antisemitic violence.
The Anti-Defamation League brought victims of hate crimes to Washington to urge Congress to pass key legislation and increase funding for security at places of worship.
A new report shows antisemitic attacks are rising, with more Jews killed in 2025 than in any year over the past three decades. Advocates say those numbers are driving urgency in Washington.
Among those speaking with lawmakers was Michele Schipper, a board member at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson.
Schipper pointed to the January arson attack at the synagogue, saying federally funded security cameras were critical in identifying the suspect.
“My community is proof that congressional funding can make a difference,” Schipper said. “The security cameras that helped identify the attacker who set my historic synagogue on fire were funded primarily through the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. It is crucial that Congress increases funding for these grants to keep our communities safe and prevent other places of worship from falling victim to hate.”
Leaders are calling for at least $1 billion in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which provides money for cameras, reinforced doors, security personnel and emergency training.
They are also pushing for legislation to create a federal clearinghouse for grant information and security resources, as well as a bill that would establish federal penalties for intimidating or obstructing people within 100 feet of a place of worship.
In Mississippi, the suspect accused in the Beth Israel arson, Spencer Pittman, remains in federal custody facing multiple charges. Authorities say he admitted to the crime after his arrest but has pleaded not guilty.