On Monday, New York politicians from both major parties came together to express their joy over the release of Israeli hostages who spent two years in captivity.
Governor Kathy Hochul issued a heartfelt statement emphasizing the profound effect of the attacks on October 7, 2023, on the people of New York.
“During my visit to Israel shortly after the attack, I stood in solidarity with the families of Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” Hochul reflected, mentioning two New Yorkers believed to have perished while held hostage.
“My thoughts are with them today, as well as all those waiting for the closure they deserve. May the memories of the victims be a blessing, and may we always remember the suffering endured by their families.”
Hochul expressed gratitude, without naming President Trump, for the previous administration’s efforts that led to the hostages’ liberation.
“With their return and a lasting ceasefire, I hope crucial aid will soon arrive to help families in Gaza and that we can embark on a new chapter of enduring peace and freedom for both Israelis and Palestinians,” she stated.
Republican leaders were quick to commend Trump’s role in the negotiations.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) framed the hostage agreement as a significant achievement for the president.
“President Trump is a true dealmaker and a leader who possesses the strength and courage needed to secure lasting peace,” she remarked.
Her fellow Republican representative Mike Lawler (R-Hudson Valley) asserted that Trump illustrated the effectiveness of “peace through strength,” although he emphasized that there is still more work to do.
“As we celebrate today, we must continue to demand the return of the remains of the 28 individuals slain by Hamas, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” he stated. “It’s important to clarify: enduring peace is only possible when terrorism is eliminated, and we bring every last hostage, living or deceased, home.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman echoed the call for Neutra’s return.
“Only President Trump could have achieved this result,” he said, expressing his gratitude for Trump’s leadership.
Stay informed on the Israel-Hamas cease-fire negotiations
- Emotional reunions as freed Gaza hostages connect with their families after two difficult years
- Israel begins releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners — including those guilty of murder and terrorism
- New York politicians commemorate the return of Israeli hostages: ‘A new chapter of lasting peace’
- President Trump proclaims an ‘end to an era of terror and death’ to enthusiastic applause in Israel’s parliament
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, currently running for mayor of New York City as an independent, quoted the renowned Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel: “The opposite of love is not hate; it is indifference.”
“Today, we reject indifference and choose to remember,” he stated.
“This transcendence goes beyond a diplomatic achievement; it highlights a moral imperative, underscoring our common humanity and the profound value of every single life. We must relentlessly remember the heinous acts that led us here and collectively proclaim: never forget and never again. Terrorism is unacceptable in Gaza, the Middle East, or anywhere globally.”
As of Monday morning, Cuomo’s electoral opponent Zohran Mamdani had not issued any statement in response.
