KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two Knoxville state representatives announced over $151,000 worth of security for Jewish Knoxvillians on Wednesday.
Rep. Elaine Davis (R-Knoxville) and Sen. Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville) said Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security grants will be used to pay for contracted security personnel at various Jewish institutions statewide.
Local grant recipients include:
- Heska Amuna Synagogue: $13,170
- Knoxville Jewish Alliance: $62,714
- Stanford Eisenberg Knoxville Jewish Day School: $56,075
- Temple Beth El: $19,601
“Every Tennessean should be able to safely and freely practice their faith,” Davis said. “These grants will ensure religious institutions in Knox County and across our state have access to the security they need to best protect their members. I was proud to help secure this funding, and I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support.”
The funds are part of a $750,000 budget appropriation for the Houses of Worship Security Grant Program.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security awarded 19 grants statewide this year through the program. Applicants were required to demonstrate the threat and vulnerability to their organization as well as how the funding would address gaps and deficiencies in their current program and capabilities.
Both Islamophobia and antisemitism have been on the rise in the U.S. since the start of the Israel-Hamas war. It is unclear if any local Islamic institutions will receive additional security.