Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, which is home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, announced on Monday night that she would travel to Israel on a “solidarity mission” on Tuesday.
Ms. Hochul, a Democrat, said she intended to meet with diplomatic leaders and communities “who have been devastated by the horrific Hamas attacks.”
“During these difficult times, it’s more important than ever for New York to show up in support of Israel,” she said in a statement. “New York will show the world that we stand with Israel — today, tomorrow and forever.”
The governor’s impromptu trip, just as Israel prepares for an expected invasion of Gaza, is expected to overlap with President Biden’s own visit to Israel on Wednesday.
Ms. Hochul, who was elected to her first full term last year, has positioned herself as an unflinching supporter of Israel and has forcefully condemned the Hamas terrorist attacks. Since the attacks, she has spoken empathetically at a pro-Israel rally in Manhattan and denounced a pro-Palestinian rally in Times Square.
She also indicated on Monday that state officials were aware of an unknown number of New Yorkers who may have been taken hostage by Hamas.
Before flying to Israel, the governor will travel to Washington to meet with Mr. Biden’s chief of staff, Jeff Zients, to discuss U.S. support for Israel, as well as the migrant crisis affecting New York.
She will then fly to Israel and is expected to return on Friday.
