Congressman Ritchie Torres and DHS Under Secretary Robert Silvers Host Roundtable in Riverdale on Antisemitism and Nonprofit Security Grant Funding

Today, Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Department of Homeland Security Under Secretary for Policy Robert Silvers hosted a roundtable at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale (The Bayit). 

Under Secretary Silvers was joined by Rebecca K.K. Sternhell, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Office of Partnership and Engagement and Acting Executive Director of the Homeland Security Advisory Council and Mohamed Telab, Deputy Regional Director at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. The roundtable consisted of a group of elected officials and Jewish community leaders, including State Assemblyman Jeffery Dinowitz (D-81), City Councilman Eric Dinowitz (D-11), and representatives from UJA-Federation, the ADL, JCRC, SAR Academy, Kinneret Day Schol, the Riverdale Jewish Center, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale, and the Community Security Initiative.

The conversation focused on the on-the-ground safety of the Riverdale Jewish community and the resources available from DHS to combat antisemitism, most notably the Nonprofit Security Grant Funding.

On the roundtable, Congressman Torres said:

“I am thankful to Under Secretary Silvers and the DHS for coming to Riverdale and engaging in a productive conversation with Jewish community leaders about antisemitism, Nonprofit Security Grant funding, and the road ahead. It will not be forgotten that DHS showed up and listened at a time of heightened antisemitism, and for that, I am deeply grateful.”

Under Secretary Silvers said:

“The Department of Homeland Security is unwavering in its commitment to protecting the Jewish community and ensuring it has the tools necessary to protect itself in the face of unprecedented antisemitism. Representative Torres is a strong and leading voice on supporting Israel and combatting antisemitism in this country. DHS is proud to partner with Representative Torres, local elected officials, and Jewish community leaders. These engagements help us share insights about the current threat landscape and ensure that vital resources reach those in need.”

See photos from today’s event: