Previously Published in The Messenger
By Cait Crudden
When tensions in the Middle East were escalating and Israeli airspace was facing intermittent closures, New York Senate Republicans called on Governor Kathy Hochul (D) to take immediate action to help New Yorkers stranded in Israel return home.
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda), joined by members of the Senate Republican Antisemitism Working Group, issued a formal letter to the governor during the crisis, urging her to launch an emergency plan to repatriate New York residents currently residing, studying, or traveling in Israel. The lawmakers cited Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ (R) successful repatriation efforts as a model and called on Hochul to follow suit.
“Ensuring the safety of New Yorkers who are currently unable to return home as conditions in Israel continue to deteriorate is paramount. Governor Hochul must take action to provide safe transport for our fellow New Yorkers amidst the escalating conflict with Iran,” stated Leader Ortt.
The letter underscored the state’s unique ties to Israel, home to one of the largest Jewish populations outside of the Jewish state and calls the situation a moral imperative for New York leadership.
“New York’s connection to Israel is unmatched, and so is our responsibility. Our state should lead in standing with Israel, supporting Jewish communities under threat, and providing urgent help to New Yorkers caught in harm’s way,” the letter reads.
During the crisis, there was growing concern for those trapped by flight disruptions and regional instability. The Senate GOP urged Hochul to act decisively, coordinating charter flights or working with federal agencies to expedite safe return options. Senator Jack M. Martins (R-Great Neck), Chair of the Antisemitism Working Group, emphasized the urgency during the evolving situation.
“We stand in full solidarity with Israel, with our Jewish community here in New York and with our residents currently stranded in Israel. With Israeli airspace currently closed and the dangerous and uncertain situation on the ground, we urge Governor Hochul to act immediately to bring home all New Yorkers currently in harm’s way. Our commitment to their safety reflects our shared values of unity and resolve that define us as New Yorkers.”
Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R-Malverne), also a member of the working group, called for full-scale mobilization at the time, similar to emergency relief responses during natural disasters.
“Our state has a moral obligation to act swiftly and decisively to ensure the safety of New Yorkers, and that includes helping to bring home our residents who may be in harm’s way home. Our bond with Israel runs deep, and so must our response as thousands of New Yorkers are currently in the increasingly volatile region. We’re calling on Governor Hochul to coordinate emergency flights and stand up for New Yorkers both home and abroad. The time to act is now.”
Lawmakers were receiving mounting concerns from families across the state with loved ones caught in the conflict zone. Several senators stressed the emotional and psychological toll on constituents waiting for answers.
“Governor Hochul must act immediately to help stranded New Yorkers in Israel return home safely. Our families are desperate for answers and our citizens deserve the full support of their state. Leadership means standing up in moments of crisis, not waiting for others to do the job,” stated Senator Peter Oberacker (R-Schenevus), member of the Antisemitism Working Group.
Senator Bill Weber (R-Montebello), who represents a large Jewish constituency, echoed the sentiment and pointed to the cease-fire recently declared between Israeli and Iranian-aligned forces as a critical window for action. “Many of my constituents are currently stranded in Israel due to the lack of flights. Florida f igured out a way to get their residents back. There is no reason New York State can’t do the same. With the news of a cease-fire and safe flying now possible, there is no reason to delay. Let’s do this together, Governor.”
The lawmakers concluded their letter with a call for bipartisan unity, emphasizing that the safe return of New Yorkers transcends political lines and is a matter of compassion, urgency, and leadership. As the situation in Israel continues to evolve and there is a current cease-fire in place, all eyes now turn to Albany for the next move.