Governor Hochul: “We're going to ensure that people are safe and that they can observe this beautiful holiday with their families knowing that the Governor of New York is looking out for them.”
Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul delivered remarks to observe the first night of Hanukkah.
VIDEO of the event is available on YouTube here and in TV quality (h.264, mp4) format here.
AUDIO of the Governor's remarks is available here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
I want to acknowledge that tonight is the first night of Hanukkah and it's been a challenge for members of the Jewish community, especially with the horrible rise in antisemitism. It's normally a time of light and joy, and I want to make sure we continue to bring light to everyone and let them know what the State of New York is doing to fight antisemitism.
Some horrible incidences not far from here at Cornell University a few weeks ago – students that were terrorized by online threats of harm to them. And so it's continuing all over the State of New York. We are investing in more resources, helping law enforcement – $50 million to secure locations that are vulnerable, making sure that we [are] investigating incidents of hate crime with our State Police all over New York and looking at our campuses, in particular.
So we're working hard to combat antisemitism, but what should be a joyful time, we're going to ensure that people are safe and that they can observe this beautiful holiday with their families knowing that the Governor of New York is looking out for them.