Following the surprise attack on Israel by Hamas militants Saturday morning, Gov. Kathy Hochul directed landmarks across the state to be illuminated blue and white in solidarity with Israel.

“New York stands with Israel – today and every day,” Hochul said in a statement. “New York is proud to be home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, and as Governor I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure this community is supported, uplifted and protected.”

Landmarks that will be illuminated include:

  • One World Trade Center
  • Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
  • The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
  • Empire State Plaza
  • State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
  • Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
  • Niagara Falls
  • Moynihan Train Hall
  • The Walkway Over the Hudson State Park and Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson
  • Kosciuszko Bridge
  • Albany International Airport Gateway

Hochul delivered remarks at Temple Israel in Albany on Saturday. She called calling the attacks “horrific” and is offering support while also working with the U.S. Embassy to get New Yorkers home safely. 

"As the governor of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel -- something I'm enormously proud of -- New York feels uniquely impacted,” Hochul said. “I spent the day making phone calls [and] checking in on people figuring they're in New York. I can't tell you how many answered and said, ‘No I'm in a shelter in Jerusalem’ or ‘I'm in Tel Aviv.’ They answered their calls. They knew it was the governor. But they gave me in real time a description of what they were going through -- the sounds, the smells and the sights and just how devastating it was for them as human beings."

Earlier on Saturday, Hochul directed the State Police to work with local law enforcement, including the NYPD, to ensure the protection of houses of worship and other at-risk sites. 

Officials say there are no confirmed threats at this time, but they continue to monitor the situation along with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. 

"Today will go down in history as a black mark on humanity man's inhumanity to man," Hochul said. "But the next day's story will be one of perseverance resiliency and fighting back. And as your governor, I look forward to being at the forefront of that fight."  

The governor also spoke with Israel's acting consul general in New York to offer the state’s support.