Two Bronx synagogues on local list to receive grant money for protection against terrorist attacks
BY Daniel Edward Rosen
DAILY NEWS WRITER
Monday, July 19th 2010, 4:00 AM
Two Bronx synagogues targeted in a bombing plot last year are among 80 high-risk groups getting cash from the Department of Homeland Security to help prevent future terrorist attempts.
Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Brooklyn and Queens) announced Sunday that the groups will share more than $5.8 million in federal funding to fortify their buildings with features like security cameras, barricades and emergency release doors. The awards, which average $73,000, are scheduled to be distributed within the next three months.
"We have a large number of religious institutions and we know as a matter of fact that there have been threats not long ago in Riverdale," said Weiner, referring to the failed May 2009 bomb plots against the Riverdale Jewish Center and the Riverdale Temple in which four men were arrested.
"Everybody is entitled to have their security needs met," added Weiner during a press conference at the Ramaz School, a modern Orthodox Jewish prep school on the upper East Side that he said was getting a share of the funding. Officials said the two Riverdale synagogues are also getting money.
Although officials did not release a complete list for security reasons, it includes 36 religious schools, 25 synagogues, 12 community centers, six hospitals and one church.
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Manhattan) said that the entire city is still in the crosshairs of terror wannabes like failed Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad.
"New York remains target number one for terrorist attackers," she said.
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