John,

I want to take this opportunity to share with you my experience in Israel this week.

What I witnessed was, in many senses, more horrific than I had imagined.

I visited the scene of a horrific attack on the Kfar Aza kibbutz, which was one of the first places that Hamas breached. The slaughter of innocents, the smells, the sites, were difficult to process — a beautiful neighborhood that turned into hell on earth in a matter of minutes.

At Shaare Tzedek hospital, I spoke to a 19-year-old soldier who almost lost his leg. He wasn't even on duty, but he ran back to try and save his fellow citizens. He was able to extract a 95-year-old woman who was trapped in her safe house surrounded by people who had been murdered.

And I heard from so many Israelis experiencing grief and mourning. People from the south of Israel forced to resettle at temporary hotels by Tel Aviv showed me images of their homes being destroyed by terrorist rockets. Families of hostages — including New York’s own Omer Neutra — shared stories of their loved ones who are still missing.

But amongst this pain, I saw the resiliency and courage of the Israeli people.

I joined the volunteers at Leket Israel who have been providing food and supplies to families displaced by Hamas’s barbaric attacks. And I visited United Hatzalah, where remarkable volunteers provided lifesaving care on October 7 and every day since.

I met with Israel's leaders, President Herzog and Prime Minister Netanyahu. I reaffirmed New York's solidarity with Israel and our strong desire to see a safe return for those taken hostage. I also reinforced New Yorkers commitment to humanitarian aid for all who have been impacted by this conflict, including my strong support for President Biden’s plan to send humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza without benefitting Hamas terrorists. There have already been too many lives lost.

New York State is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel. Many in our Jewish community hold deep ties to Israel and are worried about loved ones, hold their own stories of loss, personally know hostages, and fear the unknown.

It was important for me to go and not only report firsthand of the atrocities that have occurred, but also make abundantly clear: Today, and every day, New York State stands with Israel. 

Ever upward, 

Gov. Kathy Hochul