NY Governor Allocates $75M to Fight Hate Crimes Amid Israel-Hamas Conflict
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the allocation of $75 million to combat hate crimes in response to an increase in reported incidents during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The initiative includes $50 million in grants for local law enforcement to address hate crimes, as well as $25 million in security funding for vulnerable community groups and cultural centers.
The surge in hate crimes, particularly against Jews, comes in the wake of recent attacks by Hamas on Israel. According to the New York Times, there were 51 hate crimes reported in the third week of October, with 30 of them being antisemitic. This starkly contrasts with just seven incidents reported during the same period last year.
Governor Hochul emphasized her commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers in the face of this rise in antisemitic incidents. She firmly stated that hate and intimidation should never become normalized, and there is zero tolerance for antisemitism, Islamophobia, or any form of hate in New York. She stressed the need to utilize every available state resource to keep the people of New York safe.
To further address the issue, Governor Hochul has appointed Judge Jonathan Lippman, a former Chief Judge of New York, to conduct an impartial third-party assessment of policies related to antisemitism and discrimination at the City University of New York (CUNY). This comprehensive review will involve interviews, research into the campus climate, and an evaluation of university policies and procedures when dealing with antisemitism complaints. Judge Lippman is expected to deliver his findings in the spring.
Additionally, Governor Hochul plans to expand the social media analysis unit of the New York State Police in response to the increasing number of hate crimes. This move aims to enhance the state’s ability to monitor and address hate speech and threats made online.
The recent threats of violence at the Center for Jewish Living at Cornell University have also prompted Governor Hochul to take action. She met with students at the university to address the situation and ensure their safety. Online posts targeted Cornell students with explicit threats of violence, sexual assault, and derogatory comparisons.
As hate crimes continue to rise during the Israel-Hamas conflict, Governor Hochul’s allocation of $75 million demonstrates her strong commitment to protecting New Yorkers. Through increased funding for law enforcement and security initiatives, as well as comprehensive assessments of policies and expanded social media analysis, the governor aims to combat hate crimes and maintain the safety and well-being of all residents.
