New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday comprehensive action to fight antisemitism, making her state the first to respond to the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism unveiled by the Biden administration in May.
“As governor of the state with the largest Jewish population outside the State of Israel, I feel a solemn responsibility to protect and uplift New York’s vibrant, diverse Jewish communities,” Governor Hochul said in remarks at the Center for Jewish History in Manhattan. “No one should have to fear for their safety while going to their place of work, going to school, or just walking the streets. It has always been my top priority to keep the people of New York safe, and we will continue taking action to fight antisemitism and use every tool at our disposal to eliminate hate and bias from our communities.”
The steps detailed by Governor Hochul included the creation of the New York State Anti-Hate in Education Center and Annual Convening that will combat hate, create a safe and inclusive environment, and focus on eliminating antisemitism.
Also, the Division of Human Rights has plans to improve hate and bias incident data collection and launch the agency’s first-ever small grants program for community anti-bias work, and the Office of Victim Services is working to expand support for victims of antisemitism by simplifying the Victim Compensation Application.
Furthermore, the New York State Police will relaunch law enforcement focused Hate Crime Investigative Seminars, and the New York State Office of Mental Health has established the Spotlight on Jewish Campaign to recognize the unique issues surrounding Jewish Americans’ mental health.
Celebrated Rosh Hashanah with our Jewish neighbors in New York City today!
During the High Holidays & every day of the year, we’re proud to support Jewish New Yorkers. We’re setting the pace with bold plans to combat antisemitism, & I’m calling on all states to follow our lead. pic.twitter.com/UAR39Svlwz
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 19, 2023
Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado commented, “New York has long been a leader when it comes to diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. We are proud to continue that legacy by becoming the first state in the nation to respond to President Biden’s national strategy to combat antisemitism and root out hate. We will lead with love and build stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities in the process.”
Watch Governor Hochul’s announcement below:
I’m in New York City announcing our latest steps to support New York’s vibrant Jewish community. Watch live: https://t.co/HuPHaF8fIZ
— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) September 19, 2023
In attendance at Tuesday’s event was U.S. Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt. “Hate cannot be fought in silos,” Ambassador Lipstadt said. “We know what begins with the Jews rarely ever ends with the Jews. What we’ve got to understand, and what I believe that our government does understand, is that there is an interconnectedness of hatred, that what begins with one group never ends with that group.”
