Governor Hochul to Double Hate Crime Funding and Create 25-Foot Protective Zones Around Shuls • Jewish Breaking News

In response to concerns about antisemitism, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is advancing a plan to add protections and budgets for religious communities in New York State. The proposal includes an increase in funding for security measures, as well as new laws to create buffer zones around houses of worship, to prevent harassment and intimidation.

This idea comes alongside recently released statewide data showing 696 hate crimes between January and November 2025, of which 418 targeted Jews, roughly 51% of all incidents. That translates to an average of 1.26 antisemitic incidents per day, the numbers show a persistent threat facing the Jewish community.

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Hochul’s plan includes an additional $35 million in funding for nonprofits and communities that face hate crimes, doubling the current allocation of $35 million already in place. This funding is intended to help institutions strengthen both physical and digital security.

Eligible organizations would be able to apply for grants of up to $250,000, which can be used for a wide range of protective measures, including locks, alarms, panic buttons, fencing, cybersecurity upgrades, and shatter resistant glass. According to the governor’s office, applications for the grants are due by July 8, with awards expected to be announced in the fall.

In addition to financial measures, Hochul is adding legislation to start a 25-foot buffer zone around houses of worship, to prevent protests or disturbances from taking place directly outside synagogues and other religious sites. Many Jewish leaders and Rabbonim have welcomed the increased protections, while civil liberties groups are upset about the impacts on free speech.