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.
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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.