Long Island Jewish Institutions Get Millions For Safety Upgrades

New York has granted more than $2.1 million to Long Island nonprofit schools, day cares and cultural museums as part of the state's Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday.

The money will be used to prevent hate crimes and attacks against the facilities, many of which are Jewish organizations. The state is providing $2.161,410 for 45 projects across Long Island.

"This funding is critical in our efforts to enhance security and protect nonprofit schools, day cares and cultural museums at risk of hate crimes," Cuomo said. "By supporting the diverse cultures and community centers found throughout this great state, we are setting an example for the nation while establishing a stronger, safer New York for all."

The grant, administered by the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, provides up to $50,000 for security training, cameras and state-of-the-art technology, door-hardening, improved lighting and other security upgrades at each facility. Organizations that operate more than one facility were eligible to submit up to three applications for a total request of up to $150,000.

The organizations receiving grants are:

• Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth
• Chabad of Port Washington
• Congregation Sons of Israel, Woodmere
• Friedberg Jewish Community Center
• Friends of the Brandeis School
• Hebrew Academy for Special Children
• Hebrew Academy of Long Beach
• Hebrew Academy of Nassau County
• Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaways
• Hewlett East Rockaway Jewish Centre
• Long Island Hebrew Academy
• Mesivta Ateres Yaakov of Greater Long Island
• Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, Inc.
• Midway Jewish Center
• Rambam Mesivta High School
• Shulamith School for Girls
• Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center
• Sonia & Max Silverstein Hebrew Academy
• St. Thomas the Apostle School
• Temple Sinai of Roslyn
• Woodbury Jewish Center
• Yeshiva and Mesivta Toras Chaim of Greater NY at South Shore Inc.
• Yeshiva Ketana of Long Island
• Chabad Lubavitch Chai Center, Inc.
• Huntington Hebrew Congregation
• Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary
• Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center

"Our yeshivas, synagogues and community centers are vital institutions and especially in today's day and age, it is critical for us to do all we can to keep them safe," said Sen. Todd Kaminsky, who represents many of the organizations who are receiving grant money.

The state grant program was created last year after a nationwide scare in which Juan Thompson, a former journalist, was arrested and charged with making threats to Jewish organizations across the country, including many in New York.

As part of the response, the state also created a telephone hotline and text line to report incidents of bias and discrimination. State police receive referrals from both lines. A $5,000 reward was made available for any information leading to an arrest and conviction for a hate crime. Anyone who has experienced bias or discrimination are encouraged to call the toll-free hotline at (888) 392-3644 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or text "HATE" to 81336. If you want to report a crime or fear for your safety, call 911 immediately.

"I am so pleased these grants are being awarded to help cultural places, private schools and day cares to protect them against vicious hate crimes," said Assemblywoman Melissa Miller. "Places of worship and education should be safe havens, they should not be subjected to such insensitivity and violence. These are spaces where we celebrate life and our futures, so securing these grants will help ensure continued peace and prosperity in our community."

Photos courtesy Gov. Cuomo's Office