Newsom Visits Israel, Pledges $10 Million for Police Patrols at Synagogues, Mosques

Gov. Gavin Newsom flew to Israel on Thursday after pledging $10 million in state funds to extend regulation enforcement presence at synagogues and mosques due to the struggle began by Hamas.

“Amid the horror unfolding within the Center East following the unconscionable terrorist assaults in Israel, California is authorizing the rapid deployment of funds to extend safety and police presence at locations of worship throughout the state,” Newsom mentioned. “Regardless of how and the place one prays, each Californian deserves to be protected.”

The state will reimburse native governments for the prices related to the elevated patrols. Along with the regulation enforcement funding, the state will grant $20 million to nonprofit organizations to enhance their bodily safety.

Up to now two weeks, each the Home of Israel in Balboa Park and the Islamic Middle of San Diego in Clairemont have been vandalized.

The Governor’s announcement was praised by representatives of each the Jewish and Muslim communities in California.

“These crucial safety sources will make an enormous distinction and ship a strong message when so many in our neighborhood are feeling on edge,” mentioned Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel and Sen. Scott Wiener, co-chairs of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “California can not stand idly by whereas the Jewish neighborhood or some other susceptible neighborhood is threatened by hate and extremism.”

“We welcome Governor Newsom’s proactive measures to guard Californians,” mentioned Hussam Ayloush, CEO of the Council on American-Islamic Relations California. “California Muslims are more and more anxious as we observe harmful rhetoric that continues to dehumanize Palestinians and Muslims, and which results in an increase in anti-Muslim incidents concentrating on college students, staff, and on a regular basis Muslims of their houses or on the road. Everybody deserves to be protected.”

Few particulars of Newsom’s itinerary in Israel have been launched, however he mentioned he deliberate to fulfill a few of these folks affected by the struggle.

“Thanks Governor of California,” mentioned Israeli President Isaac Herzog, “in your go to of solidarity to Israel. We’ll always remember our associates who stood by Israel in our most troublesome instances.”

The governor’s day-long go to to Israel is a cease on an longer economic-development and climate-action mission to China.