Empire State pols from either side of the aisle Monday celebrated the residing Israeli hostages’ return after two years in captivity.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, in a solemn assertion, famous the pointed affect that the Oct. 7, 2023 assaults had on New Yorkers.
“Once I visited Israel within the instant aftermath of the assault, I grieved alongside the households of Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” she stated, referring to 2 New Yorkers held hostage and presumed useless.
“My coronary heart is with them as we speak, and with the numerous others who’re nonetheless awaiting the closure they deserve. Might the victims’ reminiscences be a blessing, and will we always remember their family members’ ache.”
Hochul, with out referring to President Trump by title, stated she was grateful for his administration’s position in securing the hostages’ launch.
“With their return and a everlasting ceasefire, I’m hopeful that important support will quickly attain households struggling in Gaza and that as we speak marks the start of a brand new chapter of lasting peace and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the Democrat stated.
Republicans weren’t so shy about hailing Trump.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) forged the hostage deal as a victory for the president.
“President Trump is an actual dealmaker and chief with the power, energy and chutzpah to ship lasting peace,” she stated.
Her fellow Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Hudson Valley) argued Trump confirmed “peace via power works — though he stated extra must be executed.
“As we have a good time as we speak, we proceed to demand the return of the stays of the 28 hostages murdered by Hamas, together with People Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” he stated. “Let me be clear: peace can solely endure when terror is defeated, and each final hostage, residing or deceased, is introduced dwelling.”
Likewise, Nassau County Government Bruce Blakeman known as for Neutra’s return.
“Solely President Trump may have pulled this off,” he stated. “Very grateful for his management.”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who’s operating as an impartial for New York Metropolis mayor, evoked Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s well-known quote: “The other of affection isn’t hate, it’s indifference.”
“In the present day, we reject indifference & select remembrance,” he stated in assertion.
“That is greater than a diplomatic success; it’s a ethical second, a reminder of our shared humanity and the sacred worth of each life. We should always remember the terrorist act that introduced us right here, and we should stand collectively to say, with one voice: always remember and by no means once more. Terrorism has no place in Gaza, within the Center East, or wherever on this planet.”
Cuomo’s electoral rival Zohran Mamdani had to not launch a press release as of Monday morning.
