WATCH: Gov. Kathy Hochul Discusses Response To Antisemitism In New York State

Forbes Breaking News

On Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) discussed increased cases of antisemitism across New York State and the expansion of the NY law enforcement antisemitism task force during a briefing.

Transcript

00:00 But it's more about, so much more than about just travel disruptions.

00:06 It's painful to me as the governor of this great state that has been known for its diversity

00:12 and how we celebrate different cultures, different religions, different viewpoints.

00:18 It's painful to see the cruelty with which New Yorkers are treating each other everywhere

00:23 from college campuses to our streets, to schools, to playgrounds, even as they're entering their

00:30 houses of worship.

00:33 As I said, that's why, knowing these risks, I immediately deployed the state police to

00:37 protect our synagogues and yeshivas and mosques and any other place that could be susceptible

00:44 to hate crimes or violence.

00:46 We contacted the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share information about potential

00:51 threats.

00:53 I also announced significant increase in funding for our efforts, $75 million overall, $50

01:01 million for local law enforcement to beef up their efforts, as well as $25 million in

01:07 security grants.

01:09 State police have been out there.

01:11 They've been embedded with local law enforcement.

01:13 I've seen it with my own eyes as I visit different places of worship.

01:17 And whether it's here in New York City, it's happening, and I'm grateful for their efforts.

01:21 So we're very focused on the data we're collecting from surveillance efforts, what's being said

01:26 on social media platforms.

01:29 And we have launched an effort to be able to counter some of the negativity and reach

01:36 out to people when we see hate speech being spoken about on online platforms.

01:43 Our media analysis, our social media analysis unit has ramped up its monitoring of sites

01:49 to catch incitement to violence, direct threats to others.

01:55 And all this is in response to our desire, our strong commitment to ensure that not only

02:03 do New Yorkers be safe, but they also feel safe.

02:07 Because personal security is about everything for them.

02:10 As I said, no one walking down the street or in a subway should feel they have to hide

02:17 any indications of what their religious beliefs are.

02:20 We expect to see people celebrating their lives, walking about freely.

02:26 And that is no longer the case because people are living in fear.

02:30 They have a right to do whatever they want here in the state of New York.

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