New York Gov Kathy Hochul slammed for apology after comparing Canada to Hamas in Israel defense

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: New York Governor Kathy Hochul is under fire after making controversial remarks regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

In a keynote address at a Jewish philanthropy event in New York City on Thursday, February 15, the Democratic governor suggested that Israel has the right to destroy Gaza in response to attacks by Hamas, sparking widespread condemnation.

Controversial comments spark outrage

During her speech at the UJA Federation of New York lawyers division annual event, Hochul stated, “Hamas must be stopped,” and drew an analogy between a hypothetical attack on Buffalo, her hometown, by Canada, and Israel’s response to Hamas.

She remarked, “If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, I’m sorry my friends, there would be no Canada the next day, right, right? But think about that, that is a natural reaction. You have a right to defend yourself and to make sure it never happens again, and that is Israel’s right.”

Widespread condemnation

However, her remarks quickly drew criticism from various quarters. Several Democrats and left-wing groups condemned her comments, with the Jewish Voice for Peace chapter in Buffalo describing them as “disgusting.”

New York state Assembly member Zohran Mamdani accused Hochul of “justifying genocide, while laughing,” while New York City Council member Shahana Hanif expressed skepticism about Hochul’s apology, stating, “I need to see changed behavior. I will not be forgiving you at this time.”

In response to the backlash, Governor Hochul issued an apology, acknowledging her “poor choice of words” and the use of an “inappropriate analogy that I now realize could be hurtful to members of our community.”

“While I have been clear in my support of Israel’s right to self-defense, I have also repeatedly said and continue to believe that Palestinian civilian casualties should be avoided and that more humanitarian aid must go to the people of Gaza,” she said.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated following the Palestinian Islamist group's attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides. Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement of civilians.

The United Nations has called for a humanitarian ceasefire, but the United States has opposed it, citing concerns about Hamas regrouping. The impact of the conflict has been felt globally, with reports of rising antisemitism, Islamophobia, and anti-Arab bias in the U.S. Rights advocates have highlighted the need to address these issues and have called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Apology sparks Amtt you another backlash

Governor Hochul’s remarks come at a sensitive time, as tensions continue to simmer both domestically and internationally. Her apology has not quelled the controversy, with many social media users slamming her for it.

"She is so pathetic," one posted on X.

"NY’s finest," another wrote.

"Why apologize? She is right," someone else added.

"Hochul apologizing for the only right thing she ever said," a comment read.

"Coward," another fumed. 

Governor’s Background and Commitment

Hochul’s ascent to the governor’s office in 2021 marked a historic moment as she became the state’s first female governor, succeeding her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, who resigned amid multiple scandals. Hochul won election to a full term in 2022, and her handling of the Israel-Gaza conflict is likely to be closely scrutinized in the coming days.

The UJA Federation of New York, which hosted the event where Hochul made her remarks, thanked the governor for “always standing with the Jewish community and against antisemitism and hate in New York.”

The organization has a history of sponsoring trips to Israel for American including a recent trip for New York City Mayor Eric Adams, CNN reported.