Because of the spike in antisemitic and anti-Islamic threats and hate crimes, a group of state lawmakers in Albany wants to increase grant funding to non-public and religious schools to enable them to purchase safety equipment, including security guards and security cameras.  

The group is bipartisan and includes both state Senate Deputy Majority Leader Mike Gianaris, a Democrat, and Senate Minority Leader Robert Ortt, a Republican. They are advocating to double from $45 million to $90 million the available grant money the state usually spends on safety at non-public and religious schools.

Gianaris told Capital Tonight he recently convened a meeting of both Jewish and Muslim leaders in New York City to discuss the issue. 

“I convened what seemed to be a one-of-its-kind meeting where we had hijabs and yarmulkas both represented there, all sitting around the same table,” Gianaris said. “What struck me was they were all speaking with one voice. They said what they need from New York right now is help securing their religious schools from harassment and potential attacks.”

Just last week, a man fired off two shotgun rounds into the air outside of Temple Israel in Albany while reportedly saying “free Palestine." No one was injured. At the time, there were about 75 students inside the synagogue. 

Gianaris said lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul, stating their intention to push for the extra funding in the state budget.

The legislative session in Albany begins on Jan. 3.