U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Anti-Semitism joined nearly 60 senators in the introduction of a bipartisan resolution condemning recent antisemitic incidents in the United States and around the world. The resolution also includes a call for leaders to denounce antisemitism and take specific steps to address it and prevent it.
“The surge of hate crimes and violence against Jewish New Yorkers demands action and accountability. No one should have to live in fear because of their religion. We must speak out and unequivocally condemn these crimes against our neighbors, friends and family and provide the Jewish community with the tools needed to identify and respond to threats.” said Senator Gillibrand.
A strong ally of the Jewish community, Gillibrand has successfully pushed for the inclusion of federal grants to help nonprofits to plan for and ready themselves against attacks. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) helps nonprofits, synagogues and other faith-based institutions improve efforts to keep at-risk nonprofit organizations safe by promoting emergency preparedness coordination and collaboration activities between public and private community representatives, as well as with state and local government agencies. In 2019, Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer successfully fought to secure $90 million in funding for the NSGP, a $30 million increase from 2018. In 2020, Senator Gillibrand led the fight to secure a historic high of $180 million. The Jewish community remains the top target of faith-based hate crimes in the U.S. for the 23rd consecutive year, and Senator Gillibrand will continue to prioritize the safety of these communities throughout New York State.
In April, Gillibrand joined colleagues in a letter urging the Biden administration to swiftly nominate an Ambassador to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism in order to confront the rising level of antisemitism worldwide. In January, the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019, bipartisan and bicameral legislation Gillibrand helped introduce was signed into law. The bill will enhance the State Department’s role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism across the globe by elevating the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to the rank of Ambassador.
The full resolution can be viewed here.