Three days after she issued a statement allocating $25 million as additional funds to protect nonprofit organizations against hate crimes, some Jewish institutions already received part of the amount on Friday.
Sources said yeshivas, camps, and other Jewish institutions received confirmation they were the recipients of $50,000 in funding to protect their facilities on October 8.
Agudath Israel expressed great joy on the quick release of the money just days after Hochul made the fund allocation announcement on October 5 at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park City.
“Many enjoy basking in pronouncements and press conferences for idealistic new programs. We applaud Governor Hochul, however, for announcing the release of these funds so shortly after taking office, and for following through on that promise just days after her announcement,” Agudath Israel said in a statement.
Dan Mitzner, Director of Government Affairs of OU is also grateful for the release of the money since it shows how Hochul is serious in fighting antisemitism.
“The release of this grant program is a critical resource to secure Jewish institutions across the state. Governor Hochul’s announcement shows just how seriously her administration is taking the alarming rise in antisemitic incidents in New York – we are extremely grateful to the Governor for her unwavering support and her commitment to combatting antisemitism,” Mitzner said.
In allocating the $25 million funds against hate crimes, Hochul said the money is a huge help for helping nonprofit organizations improve the security of their facilities to better protect those at risk of hate crimes or attacks because of their ideology, beliefs, or mission.
She added that the funding is available to those organizations that have not previously received state funding for this purpose, the allocation builds on nearly $43 million awarded today to 362 nonprofit organizations to help boost security infrastructure and enhance preparedness against potential hate crime attacks.
“By their very nature, hate crimes strike at the heart of our democratic values and threaten to undermine the very tenets of our society,” Governor Hochul said.
“By helping these nonprofit organizations protect themselves against these cowardly acts of violence, we continue to make public safety a top priority. Bigotry and hate have no place in our state, and we will do everything in our power to protect vulnerable people from those who would lash out against them due to their ideology, belief or mission,” Hochul added.
If implemented properly the money could support 872 projects across the state.
The funding will help bolster security at community centers, schools, museums, and day camps.
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