New York Governor Kathy Hochul promises to increase holiday security at synagogues, Jewish sites

About two weeks ago, a man broke into Shabbat services at the Central Synagogue, attacked a worshiper and a security guard, and caused property damage. He was later charged with hate crimes.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul pledged on Friday to increase security for synagogues and Jewish communities across the state ahead of the High Holidays, during remarks she delivered at Shabbat services at the Central Synagogue in Manhattan.

"If you need more money, if you need more protection, I will send the New York State Police here," Hochul said. "We will fortify this place not only now, but certainly ahead of the approaching High Holidays."

Her remarks came about two weeks after a man broke into services at the synagogue and attacked a worshiper and a security guard.

Hochul said that as the leader of a state home to the largest Jewish population in the world outside Israel, she feels a "special responsibility to use my voice and my platform and say: There is no place for hate in New York State." She added that "an attack on one is an attack on all of us."

The governor's remarks came amid tensions between her and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani over issues related to Israel and antisemitism. Last week, when asked whether Mamdani's anti-Israel rhetoric could create discomfort among New York's Jewish community, Hochul called on him to focus more on running the city and less on Israel. She also pledged to stand firmly against antisemitism.

Manhattan's Central Synagogue attacker charged with hate crimes

The location Hochul chose for her remarks carried particular significance. About two weeks ago, a man broke into Shabbat services at the Central Synagogue, attacked a worshiper and a security guard, and caused property damage. He was later charged with hate crimes.

Mamdani condemned the attack at the time, calling it "horrifying," and said that every New Yorker must be able to practice their religion without fear of violence.

Hochul also addressed the rise in antisemitism since the October 7 massacre and spoke about her decision to travel to Israel immediately after the attack.

She said that in September 2023, three weeks before the massacre, she convened Jewish leaders and organizations to discuss the rise in antisemitism. After October 7, she said, "I had to go there," in part because denial of what happened had already begun.

"I needed to be there so that I could be the person who came back and told the truth," she said.

The governor described the difficult scenes she witnessed in Kfar Aza and said the situation has only worsened in the years since.

"The attacks, the fear, the anxiety, the cruelty of the words that are being said," she said.

Hochul cites Oct. 7 as reason for houses of worship buffer zone push

Hochul said this was one of the reasons she pushed to pass legislation establishing a 50-foot buffer zone around houses of worship, aimed at protecting worshipers from harassment and protests outside sacred sites.

Toward the end of her remarks, Hochul spoke directly to the Jewish community, saying: "I am here for you. You are my family."

Although Rosh Hashanah is approaching, Hochul referenced the story of Purim and Queen Esther, adding: "If necessary, I will be your Esther, every time you need me."