Republican senators in New York are urging Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul to do more to assist Jewish New Yorkers stranded in Israel due to the ongoing conflict with Iran. They pointed to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ successful efforts to arrange flights for residents returning to Tampa as a model to follow.
State Senator James Seward, representing a district with a significant Jewish population, noted that many constituents cannot return as flights remain unavailable. He said, “Florida has managed to bring residents back. There’s no reason New York can’t do the same.” He highlighted how DeSantis facilitated flights from Cyprus for Jewish Americans escaping via a repurposed cruise ship from Ashdod.
“With news of ceasefires and new flight opportunities emerging, there’s no time to wait,” Seward emphasized, appealing to Hochul.
Senate minority leaders Rob Oat and R-Niagara Falls underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that supporting New Yorkers unable to return is of “highest importance.” They called on the governor to act swiftly to ensure safe transportation for those in need.
Jack Martins, the chairman of the Senate’s anti-Semitic working group, also wrote to Hochul, praising DeSantis for his initiatives. His letter stressed New York’s special connection with Israel, asserting it is the state’s responsibility to support its Jewish community during this crisis.
Martins added that with Israeli airspace currently closed and uncertainties on the ground, it’s critical for the governor to respond quickly to help New Yorkers stranded abroad. Senator Patricia Canzonelli Fitzpatrick echoed this sentiment, insisting that now is the time for action.
New York City hosts the largest Jewish population of any city outside of Israel and has more Jews than any state, surpassing even Philadelphia. This letter coincided with Democratic primary news surrounding Zohran Mamdani, who recently made headlines for his controversial statements regarding Israel.
Mamdani, a Ugandan-born Muslim, faced accusations of anti-Semitism for having made threats against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should he visit Manhattan. He described the allegations as painful, particularly in light of the Islamophobic messages he received following his remarks.
In response to Mamdani’s comments, some officials criticized him, with White House adviser Stephen Miller linking his victory to problematic trends in politics. Despite outreach efforts, no response was received from Hochul’s office regarding this pressing issue.
