Sen. Slap Condemns Threat on West Hartford Synagogue

Today, State Senator Derek Slap condemned a bomb-threat received by Congregation Beth Israel on Farmington Avenue in West Hartford. Synagogues in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont received a non-specific bomb threat via email. West Hartford Police responded immediately to the threat, and the Congregation has declared there is no substantiated threat at this time.

“This is yet another example of a vile rise in anti-Semitism across the globe as we saw in Australia last week, and right here in our backyard. For this attack to happen at all, let alone during Hanukkah, is extremely disturbing. I stand firmly with our Jewish neighbors and friends, and I hope their celebration remains a reminder of the strength of community, and the triumph of light over darkness. These types of threats are the latest example of why the nonprofit security grant program I created in 2019 is so important and we must continue to invest in it.”

In 2019, Sen. Slap and State Senator Saud Anwar introduced a bill which created the grant program through which this funding will be dispersed through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). In the 2025 legislation session, Senators Slap and Anwar secured an additional $10 million for the program, bringing the state investment to $20 million. This program was created amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship in recent years and today, applications continue to flood the program.

CT-NSGP provides reimbursement for nonprofits, including houses of worship, that have undergone security enhancements. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that are at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act.

To learn more or apply, visit here.