At Rally Against Hate, Cuomo Announces $45 Million to Secure Jewish Sites

New York – Speaking ahead of the solidarity march against anti-Semitism, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced he was allocating an additional $45 million in taxpayer funding to help protect religious institutions, including non-public schools and cultural centers, against hate crimes.

The funding is being made available through the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program created in 2017. Those eligible are institutions that are vulnerable because of their ideology, beliefs or mission, including non-profit day care centers, community centers, cultural museums, day camps and non-public schools.

Cuomo also announced the creation of a new tip line that New Yorkers could call if they experience bias or discrimination. The number is 1-877-NO-HATE-NY.

“The recent rash of anti-Semitic and other hate-fueled attacks in New York and across the nation are understandably causing anxiety, but we will not be intimidated,” Cuomo told several hundred rally goers at Manhattan’s Foley Square. “In New York we stand up to those who try to sow division and fear, and this new funding will provide religious and cultural institutions the support they need to help protect themselves and keep people safe.”

Hate crime statistics indicate a surge of anti-Semitism and hate crimes against the Jewish community in New York. Nearly half of all hate crimes in New York over the last several years have been against the Jewish community.

The rally was organized by several secular Jewish groups, to which several dozen others signed on as cosponsors. It began in Manhattan and is scheduled to end in Brooklyn. Aside for Cuomo, other participants in the rally include Mayor Bill de Blasio, Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Council Speaker Corey Johnson, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez.

The grants provide up to $50,000 in funding for additional security training, cameras, door-hardening, improved lighting, state-of-the-art technology and other related security upgrades at each eligible facility. Organizations that operate more than one facility have the opportunity to submit up to five applications.