RELEASE: Gottheimer Brings Together Jersey Homeland Security Officials, Faith Leaders to Address Growing Threats

Above: Gottheimer hosts meeting with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) and faith leaders from across the state.

Washington, D.C. - Today, March 17, 2026, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) convened a meeting with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (NJOHSP) and faith leaders from across the state to address growing security threats facing religious communities amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, including ongoing hostilities involving Iran.

The meeting brought together NJOHSP Director Thomas Hauck, Director of Preparedness Charles Ambio, and faith leaders to discuss the current threat landscape, coordination between law enforcement and religious institutions, and the urgent need to deliver federal security resources to houses of worship.

During the discussion, participants reviewed the impact of the conflict in the Middle East on the threat landscape and resources to strengthen coordination between faith leaders, law enforcement, and state officials.

"Right now, with rising tensions in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict involving Iran, it is more important than ever that we remain vigilant against threats - especially against our faith communities," said Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5). "In recent weeks, there was an attack on a synagogue in Michigan and, right here in Teaneck, where a 19-year-old was shot with a pellet gun outside of a synagogue- a deeply disturbing reminder that antisemitism and hate are alive and well."

Gottheimer concluded, "No one should feel unsafe walking into a synagogue, church, mosque, or temple in New Jersey or anywhere in America."

A central focus of the meeting was the urgent need to expedite funding through the federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP), which provides resources for security enhancements such as surveillance systems, access controls, and trained personnel. Gottheimer has been pushing to increase NSGP funding to $1 billion in FY27 to ensure our faith communities get the protection they need.

Gottheimer also highlighted alarming national trends in antisemitism, noting that incidents have reached record highs in recent years, with New Jersey among the states most impacted.

Gottheimer was joined by Director Thomas Hauck and Director of Preparedness Charles Ambio of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, Sue Gelsey, Kaplen JCC on the Palisades CEO, Church of the Presentation Father Anthony Randazzo, South Presbyterian Church Reverend Rich Gelson, Second Reformed Church of Hackensack Reverend Dwayne Jackson, Community Church of Harrington Park Pastor Zach Waldis, Saint Anthony's Roman Catholic Church Father Carlos Briceno, Valley Chabad Director of Operations Vivian Davis, Temple Emeth-Reform Congregation Rabbi Steven Sirbu, Assembly of God Pastor Wes Kenyon, The Almond Branch Church Pastor Nick Padovani, Christ Episcopal Church Father Thomas Matthews, Christ Lutheran Church Marc Stutzel, Congregation Rinat Yisrael Rabbi Chaim Strauchler, Jewish Community Center of Paramus Rabbi Arthur Weiner, Chabad of Hackensack Rabbi Mendy Kaminker, Holy Spirit Byzantine Catholic Ihor Vorontsov, Hindu Samaj Temple of Mahwah President Jayes Patel, Calvary Lutheran Church Representative Pastor Kara Song, Hillsdale United Methodist Church Representative Julie Lee, Congregation Ahavat Achim Rabbi Ely Shestack, Grace Redeemer Church Revere Peter Wang, Barnert Temple Rabbi Rachel Steiner, Unity of Sussex County Reverend Shea Maultsby and Our Lady of Good Counsel Church Father Raymond Rodruguez.

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