Governor Kathy Hochul Clarifies Controversial Analogy, Distancing From Implication of Supporting Annihilation in Gaza
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul clarified her previous statements from last week regarding Israel’s actions in response to the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas militants.
On Thursday, the Democratic governor gave a keynote speech at a Jewish philanthropy event in New York City. During her address, Hochul emphasized the need to halt Hamas and drew a comparison between Gaza and Canada.
If Canada were to ever attack Buffalo, my friends, there would be no Canada left the next day. “Right, right?” she said to the audience at a United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York event. Hochul hails from Buffalo, a city in New York located near the US-Canada border.
“But consider that, it’s a natural reaction,” the governor continued. You are entitled to protect yourself and ensure that it does not occur again. And that is Israel’s right.
Hochul’s comparison did not seem to suggest that the same principle applies to Palestinians, who have been living under Israeli occupation for years and have experienced escalating violence from the Israeli government and military since Oct. 7.
Israel has claimed to have killed almost 30,000 people in Gaza, with a majority being women and children, as an act of self-defense.
Video of the governor’s comments quickly circulated on social media, sparking strong criticism for her comparison that erases Canada from the map and her defense of Israel’s actions against Palestinians.
Hochul’s Genocidal Rhetoric Sparks Outcry From Advocacy Groups
Many advocacy organizations view statements such as Hochul’s, which rationalize purposely destroying a country and its population, as genocidal rhetoric.
That’s revolting. The Buffalo chapter of Jewish Voice for Peace tweeted in response to Hochul’s comments: “No words.” “We, your Jewish constituents in Buffalo NY, are extremely shocked.”
“Governor Hochul justifying genocide, while laughing,” tweeted New York state lawmaker Zohran Mamdani. “Disgusting.”
“Genocide is never natural nor acceptable,” stated Chris Habiby, advocacy director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee. Nothing can ever justify it, and any person with morals would strongly oppose it.
“This is the type of controversial statement that Democratic politicians have been making without facing consequences for years,” stated Yonah Lieberman, co-founder of the anti-Zionist Jewish American organization IfNotNow.
“As violent rhetoric transforms into relentless violence in Gaza, the horror of the situation is beginning to impact Democratic voters.” The tide is changing.
Over the weekend, Hochul expressed regret for her “poor choice of words.” The governor expressed regret for using an analogy that could be hurtful to members of the community.
She expressed her support for Israel’s right to self-defense while emphasizing the importance of minimizing Palestinian civilian casualties and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
New York City Council member Shahana Hanif rejected Hochul’s attempt to backtrack on her comments by stating she would not be accepting the governor’s apology.
She emphasized the importance of observing a shift in behavior. “I won’t be able to forgive you right now.”
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