Governor Glenn Younkin Proposes $5M Funding to Fight Antisemitism

Governor Younkin at Keneseth Beth Israel Synagogue in OctoberPhoto byGovernor Glenn Younkin - Official Page - X

RICHMOND, Va. – On December 11, Governor Glenn Youngkin proposed $375,000 of renewed funding for the Virginia Holocaust Museum and $2 million for security grant funds increasing the total fund to $5 million. This funding allows Jewish-community institutions to apply for enhanced security measures.

According to a media release from the governor's office, the investment to the Virginia Holocaust Museum will support the Alexander Lebenstein Teacher Education Institute (TEI). The TEI program organizes educational content and exhibitions for students to learn about the Holocaust and other genocides.

“I’m pleased to pledge an additional $2.3 million dollars in Virginia’s budget to combat antisemitism and reiterate my commitment to stand against antireligious bigotry,” said Younkin.

Allocated funds will also support outreach and community-based programming such as the “Speaker’s Bureau,” which provides students with the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts from Holocaust survivors.

Following increased reports of anti-religious bigotry across the country following the October 7th Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Youngkin issued Executive Directive Six in October, which created an actionable plan to coordinate with educational institutions and law enforcement agencies to combat threats of violence against Jewish people and other religious communities.

“At a time of rising antisemitism and disturbing displays on our college campuses, it is more important than ever to support community outreach initiatives, provide learning opportunities for our students about the horrors of antisemitism, and enable security enhancement opportunities for our Jewish communities,” said Youngkin.

The Governor’s budget revisions also increase funding for the Department of Criminal Justice Services’ Hate Crimes Grant Program and allow at-risk community non-profits to apply for the funds directly.

“My community is deeply grateful for Governor Youngkin’s commonsense approach to safety and security,” said Rabbi Dovid Asher of Keneseth Beth Israel. “When Jews represent just 2% of the population, yet more than 60% of faith-based hate crimes, these wise investments will positively impact our state for generations to come.”