Cuomo Remarks on Controversial Bill After October 7th Events

On October 7, 2023, Andrew Cuomo, a former governor of New York, declined to criticize Carl Heastie, a state legislator and longtime supporter, regarding his efforts that appeared to undermine a bipartisan bill commemorating the terrorist attacks against Israel.

As Cuomo prepares for the NYC Democratic Mayoral Primary on June 24, he mentioned on Saturday that he was not aware of the bill’s status and purportedly took significant steps to keep it from being voted on in Congress.

“I’m not sure how that all unfolded, but it’s clear that Congressional Democrats will honor the memories of October 7th and maintain a united front regarding it,” he stated after visiting the Attenu Synagogue on the Upper East Side.

While Cuomo refrained from criticizing Heastie, he made a point to single out Queens MP Zohran Mamdani.

“I am confident that Democrats fully back the Jewish community and are in solidarity in denouncing October 7th,” he remarked, “but then there’s the case of the democratic socialist Zoran Mamdani; that’s a different matter entirely.”

Cuomo elaborated that Mamdani, who had expressed reluctance to visit Israel and questioned its existence as a Jewish state, did not represent a significant portion of the city’s Democratic electorate.

He asserted his commitment, claiming “100% support” for commemorating October 7th.

The bill, initially introduced in February by Brooklyn Republican Rep. Leicester Chan, recognizes October 7th alongside other state anniversary days like “Rosa Parks Day” and “Susan B. Anthony Day.”

Recent reports suggest that Heastie, a prominent figure among Democrats in Congress, believes Republicans aim to block the measure from coming to a vote, serving as a primary sponsor.

Chan remarked that he would take on the role of bill sponsor among Democrats if that was necessary for its passage.