Hochul boosts security, funding, at Jewish sites ahead of holidays

(The Center Square) – New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is ramping up security around synagogues in the state and pledging more money to Jewish nonprofits to harden their facilities against antisemitic attacks ahead of the 'high holy' holidays. Hochul said Tuesday the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program will distribute $70 million to 290 nonprofit community-based organizations that are vulnerable to hate crimes and attacks. Hochul said the 'record' level of funding from the program will help houses of worship hire security, install cameras and other steps to harden their infrastructure against attacks. '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,' 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.' Under the disbursements, nonprofits in New York City will be getting the largest portion of funding, or more than $35 million, according to the Hochul administration. The funding can be used for security risk management, security upgrades and inspection/screening systems equipment; active shooter training and security training for employees or congregation members, conducting response exercises and hiring security personnel, according to the Hochul administration. The state didn't release a list of the grant recipients, citing security concerns. The governor on Tuesday also directed New York State Police to increase its presence and coordination with the New York Police Department and other local law enforcement around 'sensitive sites' during the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year 5787, begins at sunset Friday and goes through the evening of Sept. 13; and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, begins at sunset Sept. 20 and goes through the evening of Sept. 21. Sukkot is Sept. 25-Oct. 2, Shemini Atzeret is Oct. 2-3 and Simchat Torah is Oct. 3-4. The money for security upgrades comes as the New York Police Department released new data last week showing hate crimes in New York City rose sharply over the past year even as major crimes such as shootings, murders, robberies and auto theft declined. It also follows a surge of high-profile attacks on the Jewish community, which have raised security concerns among religious leaders and civil rights groups who have noted a surge in reports of bias and hate crimes. Hate crimes in New York City increased 15.8% year over year, rising to 425 incidents compared with 367 in 2025, according to the latest police data. More than half of the hate crimes targeted the Jewish community, the data shows, even though Jewish New Yorkers make up only 10% of the city's population. Some Jewish leaders have cited New York City Mayor Mamdani's rhetoric against Israel – including his call for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – as a major factor in the rise in antisemitic attacks. The New York-based Anti-Defamation League has pointed to Mamdani's support for the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement against Israel and past rhetoric about Israel. The group has launched a 'Mamdani Monitor' to keep a check on his new administration. The Anti-Defamation League's regional director for New York and New Jersey, Scott Richman, was among those who praised the Hochul administration for the additional funding and beefed up security. 'Antisemitic hate crimes in New York have hit historic levels, and Jewish communities are too often left to defend themselves alone,' he said. 'This funding meets that threat head on, giving houses of worship, schools and community centers resources to help keep their communities safe right as Jews prepare to gather for the High Holidays.'