Anne Arundel Jews Call for County Security Grants Amid Rising Antisemitism

Jewish families and institutions in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, are increasingly sounding the alarm about the rising tide of antisemitism—and the urgent need for local security funding to protect their communities, as well as those of other faith and nonprofit groups at high risk of hate crimes.

Across the county, synagogues, religious schools, and community centers have faced threats, harassment, and antisemitic graffiti. Families are living with fear, and Jewish organizations are spending tens of thousands of dollars each year to keep congregants safe. Synagogues alone often spend between $80,000 and nearly $100,000 annually on security, including armed guards, safety planning, and crisis training.

One synagogue member, a mother of two young daughters, shared her experience: “Every time we attend synagogue, I am absolutely terrified for our family’s safety. I spend every single moment scanning the entrances and exits, planning escape routes, and looking for places to hide my children should the synagogue be attacked. No parent should have to feel this way.”

Jewish leaders Jack Schmerling, Michael Glass, Barry Fleishman, Howard Salob, Steve Sutton, Erin Miller, Francine McMahon and human rights leader Mike Dye all testified at Anne Arundel County’s Budget Town Halls in support of the proposed security grant program for diverse faith organizations and nonprofit institutions at high risk of hate crimes and bias-motivated violence. They were joined by Joe Toolan, an influential local leader, who highlighted the significant risks facing the LGBTQ community, emphasizing that these threats extend beyond any single faith or identity group. Many others, including leaders from the Saint Constantine and Helen Greek Church also wrote in to county leaders.

Erin Miller, a parent and community member who spoke at the town hall, added: “No parent should be reluctant and fearful to drop their child off at a synagogue, Hebrew school, or community center because it lacks proper security. These places should be joyful spaces for learning and community—but right now, they are soft targets that need protection immediately.”

Community leaders have repeatedly urged county officials to establish a security grant program for faith-based and nonprofit organizations at high risk of hate crimes. Jonathan “Jody” Goldsmith, president of the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake which is leading the effort, emphasized the stakes: “Faith and nonprofit organizations serve as pillars of our community, but the rising threats against them require proactive, sustained public safety support. A county-level security grant program would ensure that places of worship and community gathering remain safe, accessible, and free from fear.”

Similar programs already exist in neighboring jurisdictions. Montgomery County has committed $1.2 million in grants to help nonprofits and faith-based organizations hire security personnel, conduct threat planning and training, and upgrade security systems. Howard County administers a $250,000 program with awards ranging up to $25,000, while Prince George’s County provides funding for physical and cybersecurity enhancements to organizations at risk. Even Washington, D.C., has a program supporting at-risk nonprofits with up to $1 million annually.

In response to the growing calls, County Executive Steuart Pittman publicly acknowledged the proposal in his recent newsletter, noting it began with local synagogues and appears to be gaining momentum. “A brand new proposal appeared midway through the tour for a security grants program to help faith organizations and nonprofits that have been targeted by hate, similar to what some neighboring jurisdictions have created,” Pittman wrote.

County Council members are also listening.

The call for county security grants is not just about protecting buildings; it is about safeguarding families, children, and the community’s ability to gather, worship, and learn without fear. As antisemitism and hate-motivated incidents continue to rise, Anne Arundel County has an opportunity to follow the lead of neighboring jurisdictions and ensure public safety while upholding its longstanding commitment to inclusion and community well-being.

“Protecting against hate crimes is a moral imperative,” said Steve Sutton of Congregation Kneseth Israel. “Our children, families, and communities deserve to be safe. The time to act is now.”