“We have not specifically received a threat, but we don’t want to want to wait for a threat. We want to make sure people feel safe.”

These are the words of Temple Beth Abraham of Nashua President David Sacks regarding efforts officials are making to enhance the physical security of the facility.

Speaking with The Telegraph recently, Sacks cited what he called a “rise in anti-Semitism around the nation” as the reason security upgrades are needed.

The Nashua temple is one of seven New Hampshire houses of worship set to split $150,000 worth of federal funding to improve security at their facilities. The funding comes from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Funds from this program support terrorism prevention and preparedness at the state and local level, including ensuring that law enforcement has the equipment and training necessary to prevent terrorist attacks and save lives if attacks do occur, officials said.

Along with Temple Beth Abraham, other New Hampshire houses of worship slated to receive portions of the $150,000 include:

• Bedford Presbyterian Church

• Bethany Congregational Christian Church in Greenland

• First Congregational Church in Littleton

• Chabad of New Hampshire in Manchester

• Temple Adath Yeshurun in Manchester

• The Etz Hayim Synagogue in Derry

Sacks said temple officials are planning several projects, including additional security training and reinforcing the facility’s windows.

“It is a fine line. We don’t want to turn our temple into a fortress. We want people to feel safe and welcome,” he said.

It is truly a sad day in America when people are afraid to express their First Amendment right to freedom of religion.

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances,” our Founding Fathers so eloquently wrote.

However, in the aftermath of the 2015 South Carolina church massacre and the 2018 Pittsburgh Tree of Life synagogue shooting, it is understandable why people would be fearful while worshipping.

We believe everyone should be able attend any house of worship they wish, as much as they wish, and do so without fear of someone targeting them. We hope this $150,000 grant for security in New Hampshire is a step in the right direction.