Gov. Hochul announces $63.9M for safety and security

This legislation prioritizes the safety of organizations at risk of attacks due to their ideology or mission.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz

With the surge in hate crimes over the past few years, several organizations throughout NYC and New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a grant to improve the safety and security of organizations at risk of hate crimes or terrorism.

Intent on putting a stop to the influx of these crimes, Hochul announced $63.9 million in statewide funding earlier this week to protect 336 community-based organizations who are potential victims of these kinds of acts.

The funding was allocated from the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program to give organizations this financial flexibility during a time when hate crimes have flourished and cybersecurity has been jeopardized.

According to a study released by NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli in August, hate crime-related incidents in New York City have increased by more than 59 percent from 2019 to 2023 compared to the previous five-year period, with reports of hate crimes increasing in each of those last five years prior to 2024.

“As hate crimes continue to threaten the safety and unit of our communities, this unprecedented investment in the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program is a critical step toward ensuring that every New Yorker feels safe and protected,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

The assemblyman could not officially confirm any specific organizations in the area who are slated to receive funding, but he said he believes the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and the Riverdale Jewish Center, would possibly receive funding to improve security and safety precautions at their institutions.

Dinowitz added that he is proud to support this initiative, saying these funds will empower community-based organizations.

“This legislation prioritizes the safety of organizations at risk of attacks due to their ideology or mission — and sends a powerful message that hate has no place in our state,” Dinowitz said.

Dinowitz, along with his son, Councilman Eric Dinowitz and Jewish community leaders, joined a roundtable discussion led by U.S. Rep Ritchie Torres at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale on Monday, Dec. 2.

Discussions were centered around safeguarding Riverdale’s Jewish institutions and communities and combating antisemitism.

“The first rule of security is we don’t talk about security,” Richard Langer said, executive director of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.

As of press time, neither the Hebrew Institute, nor the Riverdale Jewish Center responded to The Press’ regarding if they would be recipients of this funding.

In 2009, a terrorist plot targeted the Riverdale Jewish Center Temple, but was successfully prevented by the FBI and the NYPD, along with the help of community leaders.

“Grants can fund interior or exterior security improvements, such as alarms, panic buttons, fences, shatter-resistant glass and public address systems, among other items,” Christian Corrales said, legislative director at the office of Assemblyman Dinowitz. “Funds also may be used to cover costs associated with security training and enhance an organization’s cybersecurity.”

NYPD also reported 420 hate crimes in 2023, nearly a 13 percent increase from the year before.

Since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed more than 1,200 civilians, including 40 Americans, New Yorkers of both Jewish and Muslim descent have become victims of hate crimes in New York City, with temples, synagogues and mosques targeted. 

“Creating a space where all New Yorkers feel safe, accepted and supported – no matter what may set them apart – is one of my top priorities,” Hochul said in a press release. “With these new investments, we are giving community organizations the resources they need to protect themselves and provide their services in a safe environment.”