Governor Hochul is working to ensure the safe return of New Yorkers in Israel
In a recent phone interview with CBS New York’s Jessica Moore, Governor Kathy Hochul discussed her continuous efforts to aid New Yorkers who are currently stranded in Israel.
On Saturday morning, the governor expressed his backing for Israel following a fatal assault carried out by the Hamas militants.
“Does your office have any idea how many New Yorkers are in Israel right now?” Moore asked.
“We’re trying to get a headcount on that. We’ve been in communication with the embassies, the state department. I’ve been in personal conversations with many New Yorkers who are in Israel right now, some in Tel Aviv, which is under attack as we speak. Jerusalem is a little bit quieter right now, at least for the time being, so we’re really getting real-time reports from people, but there’s no flights in or out. So we’re talking about how we can get New Yorkers back safely. The reports are absolutely scary and frightening and devastating,” Hochul said. “People are stranded. People have been in shelters. People have been within a block or two of an explosion, and there’s just real fear and terror reigning through the community.”
In an interview with CBS New York, the governor confirmed that she has no knowledge of any New Yorkers being harmed in the attacks.
In this difficult time, she has a message for the families of those who are currently stranded in Israel. She wants them to know that they are not alone and that they have the support of many. She firmly believes that their governor is doing everything possible to help bring their loved ones back home safely.
In a statement released by Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah, it was disclosed that a 32-member New York delegation, including six law enforcement leaders from Westchester County, embarked on a trip to Israel on October 5 for a training program on counterterrorism and antisemitism at an international level.
According to Rocah, a deputy chief investigator from her office informed her that they are currently taking shelter in a secure location and are making efforts to safely return to New York.
“While I am personally overcome with emotions about the devastation unfolding in Israel, I share in the gratitude I hear from our colleagues about their wellbeing and protection during their evacuation despite wanting to stay for their week-long training,” Rocah wrote.
