New York Gov. Cathy Hochul (D) apologized Saturday for the “poor choice of words” she used when making an analogy between Canada and Hamas during her keynote speech at a Jewish charity event in New York City this week.
Hochul apologized Thursday for an “inappropriate analogy” in which he said Israel had the right to destroy Gaza in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack.
“If Canada attacked Buffalo one day, I’m sorry, but the next day Canada wouldn’t exist, right?” Hochul Said At UJA New York Bar Association’s annual event. “But think about it, that’s a natural reaction. You have a right to protect yourself and make sure it doesn’t happen again, and that’s Israel’s right.”
Late Saturday, Hochul apologized for Thursday’s comments, saying they could “hurt” members of the community. He added that Palestinian civilian casualties should be minimized and humanitarian aid scaled up.
In a statement obtained by He expressed his regret. CNN.
“While I am clear that I support Israel’s right to self-defense, I reiterate that Palestinian civilian casualties should be avoided and more humanitarian aid should be directed to the people of Gaza,” Hochul said. And I continue to believe.”
Her speech Thursday drew condemnation from several New York state lawmakers and groups, including New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif.
“We need to see changed behavior. I will not forgive you at this time.” Hanif I have written Saturday.
New York State Assemblyman Zoran Mamdani said Friday that Hochul: “Justifying genocide”
The UJA Federation in New York thanked Hochul for “standing by the Jewish community.”
“@GovKathyHochul, thank you for joining us this evening at the Bar Division’s annual event and for always standing by the Jewish community and speaking out against anti-Semitism and hatred in New York,” the group said. . Said on Thursday.
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