Governor Hochul Leads Bipartisan Coalition of Governors to Stand in Solidarity With Israel

 Governor Hochul Convenes Leaders Of 17 States to Unequivocally Condemn Hamas Terror Attacks and Offer Support to Israeli People

Governors Will Continue to Work with the State Department to Ensure the Safe Return of Americans

Letter Comes as Governor Hochul Plans to Travel to Israel This Week to Meet With Diplomatic Leaders and Communities Who Have Been Devastated by the Attacks

Governor Kathy Hochul led a bipartisan coalition of 17 governors to stand in solidarity with Israel, issuing a joint letter to federal leaders to express the broad support for Israel and condemnation of terror attacks from Hamas. The governors also reaffirmed their commitment to work with the U.S. Department of State to ensure the safe return of Americans.

“The bonds between America and Israel are unbreakable – now and forever," Governor Hochul said. "As the Governor of the largest Jewish population outside Israel, I recognize we have a unique and solemn responsibility to support Israel during this critical moment. I'm proud to stand with my fellow Governors to show our support for Israel, and grateful to my colleagues for their bold moral leadership."

Governor Hochul's bipartisan letter is the latest step she's taken to show solidarity with the people of Israel in the wake of Hamas' terror attacks. In addition, the Governor plans to travel to Israel this week to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks.

Governor Hochul has led New York's response to the crisis in Israel, offering support to Israeli President Isaac Herzog and meeting with Israel's U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan. She has attended multiple vigils and rallies in support of the State of Israel, from Albany to New York City. The Governor has also lit state landmarks in blue and white, the colors of Israel's flag, raised the Israeli flag above the Governor's residence in Albany, and directed flags on State buildings to be flown at half-staff to commemorate the victims of the Hamas terror attacks.

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Speaker McHenry, Leader Schumer, Leader Jeffries, and Leader McConnell:

As Governors representing more than 144,000,000 Americans, we stand with Israel and unequivocally condemn the despicable acts of war and terror perpetrated by Hamas on Saturday, October 7, 2023, which have already claimed the lives of hundreds of innocent people in Israel. In the days since these initial attacks, we have joined with members of our communities to mourn and pray, and we have experienced first-hand the deep emotional toll this horrendous evil has taken on so many. We also know that there are several Americans that have already been confirmed killed as a result of this violence, and we know that number is likely to rise in the days ahead.

We stand united in support of Israel in its efforts to secure the safe return of hostages and ensure the ongoing safety of its people. We commend President Biden for his swift response in providing increased military assistance to Israel, and members of Congress from both parties for their firm statements of support for Israel. We urge immediate and continued U.S. aid to Israel in the weeks and months to come. We also urge the Senate to swiftly confirm nominees to key diplomatic roles in the region, including ambassador roles in Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, and Kuwait as well as move forward with consideration of all pending military nominations and promotions to ensure that our most experienced leaders are occupying the most important jobs for our national defense.

Each of us has taken action in our respective states to increase security in Jewish communities and at Jewish houses of worship. Given these concerns, and the rise of antisemitism across the country, Congress should ensure funding for states and local governments to support activities and programs to ensure resources to safeguard houses of worship and religious-affiliated groups are available to combat antisemitism at home. We will continue to work with federal, state, and local law enforcement to monitor for potential domestic threats and provide support to community leaders as needed.

We stand ready to provide additional support to Israel and to work with the United States Department of State to ensure the safe return of Americans in Israel. Our prayers remain with those who have been lost, their loved ones, the people of Israel, and the Jewish community worldwide.

Sincerely,

Governor Kathy Hochul, State of New York

Governor Gavin Newsom, State of California

Governor Jared Polis, State of Colorado

Governor Ned Lamont, State of Connecticut

Governor John Carney, State of Delaware

Governor JB Pritzker, State of Illinois

Governor Laura Kelly, State of Kansas

Governor Wes Moore, State of Maryland

Governor Maura Healey, State of Massachusetts

Governor Tim Walz, State of Minnesota

Governor Phil Murphy, State of New Jersey

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, State of New Mexico

Governor Roy Cooper, State of North Carolina

Governor Josh Shapiro, State of Pennsylvania

Governor Dan McKee, State of Rhode Island

Governor Spencer Cox, State of Utah

Governor Phil Scott, State of Vermont

Guidance For Those Impacted by the Conflict in Israel and Palestine

 

The U.S. Department of State has issued the following guidance for U.S. citizens in Israel and Palestine. If you or someone you know needs help contacting the U.S. Embassy in Israel, or if you have loved ones who are currently missing in the region, please contact our office at 718-931-1721, so that we can best support you and your family.

U.S. citizens in Israel who need assistance should contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate using this form. Family members can also submit information on behalf of a U.S. citizen family member.

U.S. Embassy Jerusalem

14 David Flusser Street

Jerusalem

Phone: +972-3-519-7575

Email: JerusalemACS@state.gov

Website: il.usembassy.gov

U.S. Embassy - Tel Aviv

71 Ha Yarkon Street

Tel Aviv

Phone: +972-3-519-7575

Email: TelAvivACS@state.gov

Website: il.usembassy.gov

U.S. citizens who wish to leave and can do so safely are advised to monitor border crossings to ensure they are open and to verify flights have not been canceled before heading to the airport, as many major airlines have suspended service. U.S. citizens in Gaza who wish to leave are specifically encouraged to check the Rafah Crossing into Egypt.

For security updates, enroll in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

The recent terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel have impacted our communities, and many community members have asked how they can help. Below are way you can assist during this troubling time:

Support Local Initiatives: Met Council’s Israeli counterpart, Latet, is on the frontlines providing humanitarian assistance to those affected. Latet will ensure that essential food and hygiene products reach families and communities impacted by the conflict.

United Hatzalah: As one of the primary emergency medical responders in Israel, they ensure your support goes towards the necessary resources to respond quickly, saving countless lives.

UJA Federation Israel Campaign: With a longstanding history of assisting Israeli communities, especially during times of crisis.

Magen David Adom: As Israel's national emergency medical, disaster, ambulance, and blood bank service, they provide critical aid and resources to those in immediate need.

Re: Sharing Muslims Israel Dialogue position

 

Dear fellow Muslim leaders,

Muslims Israel Dialogue is principally recommending the following:

1. We, the Muslim leaders, must turn the clock back to Saturday, October 7, 2023 and issue a joint official statement of a ‘total and complete condemnation and to unequivocally distance ourselves’ from those who perpetrated the worst terrorism on Israelis on that day. Full stop! It’s better late than never. Leaders make mistakes.

2. We must be honest and publicly admit that the immediate organized rallies in what the world sees as supporting the attacks in the name of Palestine were utterly wrong, inhumane, antisemitism to the highest degree, devoid of human consciousness and a setback to the legitimate Palestinian causes. And only then

3. We, the Muslim world, can condemn what we deem Israel’s overreacting in Gaza now, hold rallies in support of the overall Palestinian causes and ask the public including our elected officials to be more mindful of the Palestinian plight.

***Muslims Israel Dialogue’s principle position is 1) For the Muslim world to formally recognize Israel and for the same to enjoy safety and security from its neighbors like all other sovereign nations. 2) For Palestinians to enjoy their independent and thriving nation and to join all other nations in the United Nations as a sovereign member.

#muslimsisraeldialogue

Assemblymember John Zaccaro - NEW DATE: Smoke Shops Community Town Hall

 

Dear Friends, 

 

Due to an unforeseen scheduling conflict, we will be rescheduling our Town Hall meeting. 

 

This event will now be held on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH. The location and time will remain the same.

 

It is critical that stakeholders receive feedback from our community and that you have an opportunity to hear directly from those tasked with enforcement. 

 

As always, for additional information or if you have any questions, please contact my community office at 718-409-0109.

 

I hope to see everyone on:

 

When: Tuesday, October 24th

Time: 6:00PM-8:00PM

Where: Bronx House Community Center 

RSVP: click here

 

Your neighbor,

 

Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr.

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