OU’s Allen Fagin Joined Gov. Cuomo for the Historic Announcement
The Orthodox Union, which represents the nation’s largest network of Orthodox synagogues, lauds New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo for taking decisive and effective action by releasing $45 million in funding allocations to protect at-risk institutions.
The $45 million in grant funding is being made available on a statewide basis and will be administered by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. $25 million will be available through the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program for nonpublic nonprofit schools, nonprofit day care centers, nonprofit community centers, nonprofit cultural museums and nonprofit residential camps and $20 million for the Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Program with Local Matching Funds for nonpublic nonprofit schools and nonprofit day camps.
Teach NYS, a project of the Orthodox Union that advocates for funding for nonpublic schools and institutions in New York State, was instrumental in advocating for both programs in the 2019-2020 budget.
“Last weekend, after the tragedy in Monsey, NY, the Governor declared that anti-Semitism should be treated as domestic terrorism and this weekend, he has released $45 million in security funding for our institutions. It is our hope that other Governors will emulate his strong leadership and the actions he has taken to make certain that communities are safe,” said Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane.
“We thank Governor Cuomo for releasing these crucial funds which are necessary to protect our institutions as anti-Semitic attacks continue to rise in New York state,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin. “By doing so, he continues to make New York the national leader in security funding for at-risk institutions.”
Both on the state and federal levels, the Orthodox Union has long focused on creating legislation to increase safety for schools and other nonprofits at risk of terror attacks. The Orthodox Union and its affiliated state-based programs in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida, Maryland and California stand ready to work with their communities to assist them in securing and advocating for similar funding programs.
Founded in 1898, the Orthodox Union, (OU), serves as the voice of American Orthodox Jewry, with over 400 congregations in its synagogue network. As the umbrella organization for American Orthodox Jewry, the OU is at the forefront of advocacy work on both state and federal levels, outreach to Jewish teens and young professionals through NCSY, Israel Free Spirit Birthright, Yachad and OU Press, among many other divisions and programs. For more information, visit https://www.ou.org.