NY governor pushes to double funding for protection against hate crimes

Kathy Hochul proposes additional $35 million for targeted organizations, doubles down on bill to establish buffer zones around houses of worship

NEW YORK — New York Governor Kathy Hochul on Wednesday pushed to double the state funding available to organizations threatened by hate crimes, as the state grapples with a steady stream of incidents targeting the Jewish community.

Hochul proposed an additional $35 million for nonprofit and community groups at risk of hate crimes, on top of the $35 million already available, citing tensions surrounding the Iran war, according to a statement from the governor’s office.

The funding is available to organizations at risk of hate crimes and attacks via grants provided by the state’s Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes program, part of the state’s Division of Criminal Justice Services.

Eligible organizations can apply for grants of up to $250,000 for physical security and cybersecurity measures, such as training, locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing and shatter-resistant glass. The deadline for applications is July 8 and the grant awards are expected to be announced in the fall, the governor’s office said.

The potential funding is part of the state’s proposed budget of around $260 billion for the 2027 fiscal year, meaning it is not yet assured. Lawmakers are negotiating the budget in the state capital, Albany, after blowing past its April 1 deadline. The budget is negotiated between the governor, the state assembly, and the state senate.

The program is not for Jewish organizations specifically, but Jews are targeted in hate crimes far more than any other group in the state.

The governor’s announcement cited statewide data released late last month showing 696 hate crimes between January and November 2025. Of that figure, 418 incidents targeted Jews, 51% of the total and an average of 1.26 antisemitic incidents per day. The antisemitism figure for 2025 marked a 21% decrease from the same period in 2024.

“With the conflict we are seeing globally, it is more important than ever to ensure that New York remains a safe haven for all,” Hochul said in a statement. “This funding reflects our commitment to stand by communities facing threats because of who they are, what they believe or how they live.”

The proposal had the backing of Jewish groups, including the UJA-Federation of New York, the American Jewish Committee, Agudath Israel of America and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York.

The state funding is in addition to federal grants available to organizations at risk of hate crimes.

The proposal comes amid a broader effort to rein in antisemitic crime in New York by Hochul and other legislators. Hochul is pushing legislation to establish a 25-foot buffer zone around houses of worship, which came after vitriolic protests outside two New York City synagogues in recent months.

The New York City Council approved a separate measure last month that would require police to formulate and publicize plans for controlling protests outside houses of worship.

The city council’s bill originally called for a buffer zone of up to 100 feet, but provisions for a specific distance were removed after police cited logistical concerns.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has not confirmed whether he will sign the legislation into law, but the measure passed the council with a veto-proof majority, meaning the council could override a mayoral veto.

The statewide bill would criminalize protests within 25 feet of a house of worship, while the city’s legislation does not include any criminal provisions.

Leftist groups have opposed both buffer zone bills, claiming the measures would infringe on constitutional free speech protections.

Asked about constitutional challenges to her buffer zone bill at a Wednesday briefing, Hochul said, “I believe I have the right to protect people’s constitutional right to free exercise of religion.”

“If that needs to be tested in court, bring it on,” she said.

Hochul is running for reelection against Republican Bruce Blakeman, the executive of Nassau County on Long Island. Hochul holds a firm lead over Blakeman in the mostly Democratic state. The election will take place in November.

Hochul is generally supportive of Israel and has solid ties with mainstream Jewish groups.

A series of hate crimes against New York Jews that took place in the aftermath of the October 2023 Hamas invasion of Israel are making their way through the court system.

In the most recent sentencing, on Tuesday, defendant Skiboky Stora, 42, was sentenced to three to nine years in state prison for four attacks against Jews, white people and women. Stora was convicted in February of assault and stalking as hate crimes, as well as other charges.

In November 2023, in Manhattan, a Jewish couple saw Stora tearing down posters of Israeli hostages and took a photo of him. Stora pursued the couple, shouting anti-white and antisemitic epithets, including, “Die, Jews, Die!”