Empire State pols from both sides of the aisle Monday celebrated the living Israeli hostages’ return after two years in captivity.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, in a solemn statement, noted the pointed impact that the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks had on New Yorkers.
“When I visited Israel in the immediate aftermath of the attack, I grieved alongside the families of Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” she said, referring to two New Yorkers held hostage and presumed dead.
“My heart is with them today, and with the many others who are still awaiting the closure they deserve. May the victims’ memories be a blessing, and may we never forget their loved ones’ pain.”
Hochul, without referring to President Trump by name, said she was grateful for his administration’s role in securing the hostages’ release.
“With their return and a permanent ceasefire, I’m hopeful that vital aid will soon reach families suffering in Gaza and that today marks the beginning of a new chapter of lasting peace and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the Democrat said.
Republicans weren’t so shy about hailing Trump.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) cast the hostage deal as a victory for the president.
“President Trump is a real dealmaker and leader with the strength, power and chutzpah to deliver lasting peace,” she said.
Her fellow Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Hudson Valley) argued Trump showed “peace through strength works — although he said more needs to be done.
“As we celebrate today, we continue to demand the return of the remains of the 28 hostages murdered by Hamas, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” he said. “Let me be clear: peace can only endure when terror is defeated, and every last hostage, living or deceased, is brought home.”
Likewise, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman called for Neutra’s return.
“Only President Trump could have pulled this off,” he said. “Very grateful for his leadership.”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent for New York City mayor, evoked Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s famous quote: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”
“Today, we reject indifference & choose remembrance,” he said in statement.
“This is more than a diplomatic success; it is a moral moment, a reminder of our shared humanity and the sacred value of every life. We must never forget the terrorist act that brought us here, and we must stand together to say, with one voice: never forget and never again. Terrorism has no place in Gaza, in the Middle East, or anywhere in the world.”
Cuomo’s electoral rival Zohran Mamdani had not to release a statement as of Monday morning.
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