SAN DIEGO (Press Release) – As part of an ongoing effort to stop a statewide surge in hate crimes, Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS), was awarded a $325,0000 “Stop the Hate” grant from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
CDSS’ Stop the Hate program provides funding to qualified nonprofit organizations to provide support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and crimes and their families. CDSS prioritized populations who have experienced or are at the greatest risk of experiencing incidents of bias and hate crimes, including the Jewish community as a religious minority.
Since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, the Anti-Defamation League reports that antisemitic activity in the United States has escalated dramatically, with reported incidents of harassment, vandalism, and assault increasing by 361% over the same period the year before.
As part of the grant, the JFS Center for Jewish Care will partner with other San Diego Jewish organizations to launch a Jewish Community Rapid Response Network (JCRRN).
“We are fortunate to have several local organizations with a shared goal of combatting antisemitism, each with a unique role and expertise,” said JFS CEO Michael Hopkins. “A rapid response network will not only maximize each partner’s strengths and increase community coordination but also build the resilience of our Jewish community.”
Drawing on their experience in responding to the aftermath of the Chabad of Poway synagogue shooting in 2019, the Center for Jewish Care will also use the CDSS’ two-year Stop the Hate funding to develop a Jewish Community Emergency Response Team (JCERT) – initially, a trained group of professionals ready to deploy culturally competent services and resources in the aftermath of hate incidents or crimes against the San Diego Jewish community, from individual to large-scale incidents.
In a continued effort to curb hate crime violence, the CDSS has allocated over $91 million for 173 California nonprofit organizations to provide support and services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and crimes and facilitate prevention measures. JFS’s Center for Jewish Care looks forward to working with Stop the Hate regional lead, Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and the diverse Stop the Hate grantees who are committed to making California a safer and more inclusive place for all.
To get help, volunteer, or support JFS, visit jfssd.org or call 858-637-3000.
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Preceding provided by Jewish Family Service of San Diego.