In the wake of recent threats to the Jewish Community Center in Rochester and other Jewish institutions across the country, Assembly Majority Leader Joseph Morelle announced on Sunday that he secured $200,000 in funding for improving security at the Brighton facility.
Morelle said the funding is intended to proactively respond to the threats, and to help ensure and restore a sense of safety to the center and its members.
"This community has come together, they are stronger than ever. They are united in their resiliency and determination to promote inclusion and equality for all citizens in this community."
The assemblyman was joined by Executive Director of the JCC of Rochester Arnie Sohinki and Brighton Town Supervisor Bill Moehle, who said the JCC is an essential part of the Brighton community.
"This is a place of health, this is a place of faith, this is a place of learning, and this is a place of safety."
The JCC of Rochester was targeted with bomb threats twice in the span of 6 days earlier this month. Nationwide, Jewish community centers have seen more than 100 reported threats in recent weeks.
Specifics of the new security measures have not been released to the public by the JCC upon recommendation from law enforcement, but they say all expenditures have been disclosed to the state.