New York Governor Kathy Hochul marks Israel’s Independence Day with a statement of solidarity.
“New York is proud to be home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel,” Hochul says in a statement.
“As we recognize Yom Ha’atzmaut and celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, we’re reminded of the strong bond that New York and Israel share,” she says. “We’re proud to stand in solidarity with the Israeli people.”
The statement of unequivocal support stands out because Hochul is a Democrat running for reelection against pro-Israel Jewish Republican Bruce Blakeman, as the Democratic party grows increasingly hostile to Israel, according to polls.
There are more than twice as many Democrats as Republicans in the state.
The election of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, an anti-Zionist, was seen as evidence that anti-Israel politics could be a boon in New York.
Hochul has close ties with New York Jewish communities and is generally supportive of Israel, although she has voiced criticism of the Gaza war and taken some fire for her cordial relationship with Mamdani.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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