BOSTON - Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday a new hate crime response team in an effort to combat a problem she says is growing. 

"Every single person in Massachusetts deserves to live a life free from fear, discrimination, and hatred," Healey said. "We are here today because we are united to stop the rise of hate and hate crimes in our country and in our state."

The Hate Crimes Awareness and Response Team (HART) is a new unit designed to work with police, government and community leaders to prosecute hate crimes when they happen. Grants are also going to school districts in hopes education can prevent hate crimes and help create safe places.

"As part of the new units mandate the hart team will enhance statewide data collection and information sharing to identify statewide, national, and global patterns and trends," said Interim State Police Colonel John Mawn Jr. "It will increase stakeholder collaboration and educational outreach. It will develop advanced training and coordination with the municipal police training committee to equip law enforcement with best practices."

In recent weeks, the war between Israel and Hamas has contributed to antisemetic and anti-muslim hate crimes in the U.S. When Healey was asked where this rise in hate was coming from, she said it’s a complicated, but the state wont stand for it.

"To send a message to people in Massachusetts, we’ve got your back when it comes to hate crimes," Healey said. "We are going to address crimes and we are going to work to eradicate hate and we are going to do so on the state, local and federal level working with all of you."

Lenox was among ten school districts to receive grant money to help foster difficult conversations around hate.