Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is on her way to Israel on, what she calls, a "solidarity mission". She says she needs to see first-hand the damage caused by the Hamas attacks a week-and-a-half ago.
"During these difficult times, it's more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel," said Hochul, pledging New York "will show the world that we stand with Israel – today, tomorrow and forever."
Hochul says it's important to acknowledge while Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas, it's also important civilians get supplies they need. "It's about showing solidarity to Israel, and hear directly from New Yorkers impacted by the crisis as well as families" whether their loved ones were killed or are awaiting word on the fate of a loved one held hostage. "It's important to hear first hand from survivors first hand, and comfort those mourning the loss of loved ones," adds Hochul.
Hochul's announced trip comes as President Joe Biden plans to travel to Israel and on to Jordan Wednesday to meet with both Israeli and Arab leadership, as concerns increase that the raging Israel-Hamas war could expand into a larger regional conflict.
New York has the largest percentage of Jews among all the U.S. states; it was home to 21% of the nation's 7.6 million Jewish people as of 2020, according to the American Jewish Population Project at Brandeis University.
