By Michael V. Cusenza
Borough, city, and state representatives this week commented on the terrorist attacks on Israel.
“Prayed for Israel at the Howard Beach Judea Center with Rabbi and Zeldi Richter,” City Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Ozone Park) said on Tuesday. “Their strength and words of faith were inspiring.”
“So let our words, and our passion, and our unwavering support of Israel go forth from New York City, and may it touch and illuminate the hearts of those oblivious to the cancer of anti-Semitic hatred and violence and inspire them to join us in our righteous mission. This is our long-term hope; this is our prayer,” said City Councilman Jim Gennaro (D-Hillcrest). “But at this moment, there is a war against Hamas that needs to be won, and a clear message that needs to be sent through the destruction of the aggressors to deter future aggression. We unwaveringly support Israel in its righteous imperative to do all that is necessary to defend itself and swiftly win this war.”
“The images out of Israel this weekend are horrific beyond words. There is absolutely no justification for the brutality on display against innocent Israeli families, and Queens unequivocally condemns Hamas’ vicious invasion,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Our thoughts are with all those mourning the loss of a loved one or fearing for the future of their family, both in Israel and here in Queens. This savage violence must end immediately for the sake of the safety of innocent families on either side of the Israel-Palestine border.”
Mayor Eric Adams added on Friday, “New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day — but we do so with extra resolve today in light of Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attacks directed at the country and its people. I was on the ground in Israel less than two months ago and personally saw those of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian faiths living in peace side-by-side. Today’s attack, coming at the end of what is supposed to be a celebratory time at the end of the Jewish High Holy days, is nothing more than a cowardly action by a terrorist organization seeking to undo that peace and divide us into factions. That won’t happen.
“We have resources on the ground in Israel gathering intelligence, and we are continually monitoring multiple channels to identify any potential threats, both here and abroad. I am also communicating directly with Police Commissioner Caban and Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Weiner about the situation. While there is no credible threat to New York City at this time, our administration is in touch with Jewish leaders across the five boroughs, and we have directed the NYPD to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship citywide to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to make sure everyone feels safe.
“We extend our sincerest condolences for all the innocent lives lost in these attacks, and hope that not another family has to experience the pain of losing a loved one.”
