JNS
“Hate will have no oxygen in Maryland,” Gov. Wes Moore stated.
The proposed budget by Wes Moore, governor of Maryland, will include $10 million for grants to protect nonprofits and faith-based institutions from hate crimes, the Democratic governor’s office announced on Wednesday.
Among initiatives covered by the funding are more security officers, surveillance cameras and training drills, according to Moore’s office.
Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, said the organization is “grateful” to Moore for his “extraordinary friendship with Maryland’s Jewish community and the continued commitment to funding for protection against hate crimes.”
“The governor has been a champion of Jewish values and priorities,” Halber said.
The $10 million for fiscal year 2027 will stay the same as fiscal year 2026. For the 2025 fiscal year, that figure was $5 million, Moore’s office said.
“By maintaining this historic investment, we are sending a clear message: Hate will have no oxygen in Maryland,” the governor stated. “We will continue our work in partnership to make sure our faith-based and community organizations are safe havens for all Marylanders.”
As many as 250,000 Jewish people live in Maryland, according to the World Population Review 2025, placing it in the top 10 states with the highest concentration of Jews.
