New York’s governor to make solidarity mission to Israel

Governor Kathy Hochul to arrive in Israel Tuesday for a solidarity mission, one day before President Biden slated to visit.

By The Associated Press

The governor of New York announced she will travel to Israel on Tuesday for a “solidarity mission” with the nation.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat, said in a written statement Monday evening that she plans to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities devastated after the unprecedented surprise attack by Hamas terrorists on Israeli towns on Oct. 7,

“During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel,” Hochul said Monday night.

“Tomorrow I’ll be traveling to Israel for a solidarity mission where I plan to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks. New York will show the world that we stand with Israel – today, tomorrow and forever.”

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.