Governor Cuomo Directs New York State Police to Increase Presence in Jewish Neighborhoods in Wake of Recent Ant-Semitic Hate Crimes
A Spike in Violent Attacks Against Jewish Individuals Have Been Reported in New York and Across the U.S. as Tensions Flare Over the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the New York State Police to increase patrols at downstate synagogues, schools and other Jewish community facilities following a number of recent anti-Semitic attacks in New York and around the country. This action follows an increase in tensions caused by the recent Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Anti-Semitic violence and intimidation is antithetical to the promise and purpose of New York State, and we will not tolerate it in any form,” Governor Cuomo said. “In the wake of the unacceptable recent increase in anti-Semitic hate crimes nationwide, I am proactively deploying State Troopers to provide security at Jewish religious, educational, and community facilities. Hate has no place in our state, and we will continue to do everything in our power to help ensure Jewish New Yorkers — and New Yorkers of all faiths — have the peace, safety, and security they deserve.”
The State Police will increase patrols at Jewish educational and religious facilities in New York City, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. An increased visibility and presence can also be expected during the Jewish Sabbath. As part of this effort, State Police will also conduct outreach to Jewish communities to establish communication and address any security concerns.
The State Police oversees the New York State Hate Crimes task force, which also includes the State Division of Human Rights and the Division of Criminal Justice Services. Created by Governor Cuomo in 2018, the Hate Crimes Task Force includes more than 100 State Police investigators who have been specially trained to investigate hate crimes. These investigators work on State Police cases and are also available to assist other law enforcement agencies as needed.
If anyone has experienced bias-motivated threats, harassment or discrimination, please call the state’s toll free hotline at 1-888-392-3644, or text “HATE” to 81336. If you need to report a crime or fear for your safety, please call 911 immediately.