Church-State Concerns Keeping Sandy-Damages Houses of Worship From Receiving FEMA Aid

The Forward reported this week that church-state concerns mean that synagogues in New York which were damaged by Hurricane Sandy are at this time seen as ineligible for FEMA assistance.  Other non-profits, including homeless shelters and soup kitchens sponsored by religious institutions, are eligible if they apply by Dec. 30. However the government is encouraging synagogues and other houses of worship to apply to FEMA and the Small Business Administration by Dec. 30 so they will have applications on file if ultimately it is decided that houses or worship do qualify for assistance.