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Edited by: TJVNews.com
In a swiftly unfolding controversy, New York Governor Kathy Hochul issued an apology on Friday night for comments made during a Jewish philanthropy event that stirred widespread backlash on social media, as was recently reported by The New York Post. Hochul’s remarks, which implied justification for Israel’s actions against Gaza in response to Hamas attacks, sparked outrage and condemnation from various quarters.
Speaking at the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York’s event in Manhattan on Thursday, Hochul condemned Hamas as a terrorist organization that “must be stopped.” Attempting to draw an analogy, she referenced a hypothetical scenario involving Canada attacking her hometown of Buffalo, stating, “If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, I’m sorry, my friends, there would be no Canada the next day. That is a natural reaction. You have a right to defend yourself and to make sure that it never happens again. And that is Israel’s right.”
Hochul’s comments quickly went viral on social media, drawing criticism for their perceived insensitivity and for equating the Israel-Gaza conflict to a hypothetical situation involving Canada and Buffalo, according to the Post report. Many condemned the comparison as inappropriate and offensive, particularly in light of the devastating toll the conflict has taken on civilian populations in Gaza.
In a statement provided to The New York Times, Governor Hochul expressed regret for her “poor choice of words” and acknowledged that the analogy could be hurtful to members of the community. As was indicated in the Post report, she reiterated her support for Israel’s right to self-defense but also emphasized the importance of minimizing civilian casualties and increasing humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.
The Israel-Gaza conflict, which erupted following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, has resulted in a staggering loss of life and widespread destruction. Israeli tallies report 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and the seizure of 253 hostages by Hamas, the Post report said. In response, Israel launched an air and ground offensive, devastating much of Gaza and causing the deaths of 28,775 people, primarily civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. The conflict has also displaced nearly all of Gaza’s more than 2 million inhabitants from their homes.
Governor Hochul’s apology comes amid ongoing international efforts to broker a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. As tensions continue to escalate and diplomatic negotiations unfold, the repercussions of Hochul’s remarks underscore the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict and the challenges of navigating political discourse on such deeply divisive issues.
