Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that a record $70 million will be distributed to 290 nonprofit community-based organizations that are vulnerable to hate crimes and attacks due to their ideology, beliefs or mission. Administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program will allow these organizations to strengthen both their physical facilities and cyber security as well as increase the safety of staff and individuals they serve. To date, Governor Hochul has delivered more than $201 million in State funding for 2,035 projects through the grant program since taking office five years ago.
Governor Hochul also announced today that she has directed New York State Police to increase presence and coordination with local police around sensitive sites across New York State during the Jewish High Holidays, which begin later this week. Even as violent crime in New York City and statewide has reached historic lows, recent New York City data showed that hate crimes have continued to rise — with more than half of those crimes targeting Jewish New Yorkers. State Police will maintain high-visibility patrols in Jewish communities and at religious institutions throughout the upcoming holiday period. Troopers have initiated proactive outreach to religious leaders to establish open communication and remain in contact with the Anti-Defamation League, Community Security Initiative and the Secure Community Network as well as the NYPD and federal partners.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and even as we’ve driven violent crime to historic lows, any increase in hate crimes is absolutely unacceptable,” Governor Hochul said. “As Jewish New Yorkers prepare for the High Holidays, we’re continuing our record investments to protect sensitive sites and surging State Police resources to keep communities safe across our state.”…