Hochul Announces Record $70 Million Security Funding, Chabad Institutions Among Potential Beneficiaries
by CrownHeights.info
Ahead of the upcoming Yom Tov season, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday the distribution of a record $70 million in security funding to 290 nonprofit community organizations considered vulnerable to hate crimes and attacks.
The funding is being distributed through New York’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) program, administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Eligible organizations include houses of worship, religious institutions, community centers, daycares, cultural institutions and other nonprofits considered at risk because of their beliefs, ideology or mission.
For Chabad institutions throughout New York, the program could provide significant assistance in strengthening security at Chabad Houses, shuls, schools and community facilities.
Organizations were permitted to request up to $250,000 each, the highest maximum award since the program was established in 2017. Funds can be used for a wide range of security improvements, including surveillance and alarm systems, panic buttons, reinforced doors, fencing and barriers, access-control systems, shatter-resistant glass, blast-resistant film, lighting, public-address systems and cybersecurity upgrades. Security training is also eligible.
While the state is not releasing the names of recipients in Tuesday’s funding round, citing security concerns, state records demonstrate that Chabad institutions have been among the beneficiaries of the SCAHC program.
The New York State Comptroller’s Open Book database shows that Chabad of Bedford received a $200,000 SCAHC grant, with nearly $187,000 spent as of the latest state records. Chabad of Queens College was awarded $200,000 through the same program, while Chabad of Greenpoint has a $200,000 SCAHC grant recorded with the state.
That history makes the newly announced $70 million particularly significant for Chabad, which operates hundreds of centers and institutions throughout New York, many of which serve as community hubs where large numbers of Jewish residents gather for davening, shiurim, children’s programs, holiday events and other activities.
The precise number of Chabad organizations receiving funding in the latest round will not be known until the state provides additional information to successful applicants. DCJS said it will begin notifying grant recipients this week.
Of the $70 million being distributed, $35.79 million will go to 147 organizations in New York City, making the city the largest regional recipient.
Another $24.19 million will go to 99 organizations in the Mid-Hudson region, while Long Island will receive approximately $6 million through 25 grants. Additional funding is being distributed across the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Southern Tier and Western New York.
The awards come as Jewish communities across New York prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur amid continued concerns over antisemitism.
According to NYPD data cited by the governor, reported hate crimes in New York City were up 16 percent through August 30 compared with the same period last year. Anti-Jewish hate crimes increased 8 percent, from 212 to 229 incidents, and accounted for 53.9 percent of all confirmed hate crimes in the city.
In addition to the grant funding, Hochul announced that New York State Police will increase their presence around Jewish communities and religious institutions during the High Holidays.
Troopers will conduct high-visibility patrols and have been instructed to coordinate with local law enforcement, including the NYPD, as well as Jewish security organizations including the Community Security Initiative and Secure Community Network.
The governor said the increased presence is intended to provide both a deterrent against potential attacks and greater reassurance to Jewish communities gathering for the holidays.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority,” 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.”
