Gov. Gavin Newsom is scheduled to arrive in Israel on Friday, after newly authorizing $30 million to bolster a security grant program for nonprofits and add police presence at places of worship, amid concerns over potential acts of violence here.
He had earlier allocated $20 million for the state’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which now brings the amount available for security measures in 2023-24 to $50 million.
The visit and funding follow a video message he posted Sunday on X to reiterate his support for Israel, which declared war on Hamas after terrorists massacred more than 1,400 people and kidnapped at least 199 people on Oct. 7.
“This was an act of pure evil,” Newsom said in the post. “To the people of Israel, and to Jews around the world, be strong and brave. California stands with you.”
The announcement of his surprise visit to Israel came Thursday morning. He is expected to land in Israel on Friday morning local time.
“We are deeply grateful for Governor Newsom’s visit,” said Tye Gregory, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area. “He has been a staunch ally of the Jewish community and is supporting us through this difficult period. The fact that he is willing to make this trip in wartime proves once again that he recognizes and values the U.S.-Israel relationship as well as the Jewish community both here in the state of California and around the world.”
Wednesday’s authorization increases the funds for the nonprofit security grants from $20 million to $40 million. The grants will pay for reinforced doors and gates, high-intensity lighting and alarms, access control and more. The program also emphasizes emergency preparedness coordination. Nonprofits have until Oct. 27 to apply to the program.
Also on Wednesday, Newsom authorized $10 million for local law enforcement to cover overtime costs for increased police presence at places of worship.
Newsom described the terror attacks in Israel as “unconscionable” in his announcement Wednesday. “No matter how and where one prays,” he added, “every Californian deserves to be safe.”
The Jewish Public Affairs Committee of California thanked the governor for the additional money for the state’s nonprofits.
“This is critical funding at a critical time. It will ensure more synagogues, churches, mosques and other targets of hate-motivated violence get the support they need to protect their community,” the organization said in a statement.
Until Wednesday, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program for 2023-24 was offering $20 million that organizations across the state could apply for. Earlier this year, multiple groups, including JPAC-California, had been lobbying for $80 million.
JPAC-California, the umbrella group for the state’s leading Jewish organizations, including federations, JCRCs and family service agencies, advocates in Sacramento for issues that concern the Jewish community.