New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has apologized for a statement she made earlier the week in which she said that the U.S. would wipe out Canada if it attacked New York the way Hamas attacked Israel.
Hochul made the remarks last Thursday during an event at the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York in Manhattan.
Referring to the Oct. 7 attack in which Palestinian terrorist group Hamas carried out a surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 Israeli nationals and taking about 250 hostage, Hochul said, “Call out Hamas for what it is and it is a terrorist organization that must be stopped. No one, no country should live with that threat, that specter over them.”
In an attempt to draw a parallel and help her audience understand the gravity of Hamas’ attack, she stated, “And for those who don’t understand this dynamic here in our own state, in our own country, I’ll give you an example. I’m from Buffalo, anybody realize that? If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, I’m sorry my friends, there would be no Canada the next day. Right? Right.”
“I love Canada, but we did have the War of 1812. They did burn Buffalo. So there might be a little conflict here. But think about that. That is a natural reaction. You have a right to defend yourself and to make sure it never happens again,” she went further, adding that Israel has the right to defend itself from Hamas’ attack.
“If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, I'm sorry my friends, there would be no Canada next day," NY Governor Kathy Hochul spoke on Israel Hamas war – “You have a right to defend yourself and to make sure it never happens again.” pic.twitter.com/p3Ehy3vei6
— Oliya Scootercaster 🛴 (@ScooterCasterNY) February 17, 2024
Her remarks drew outrage from the far-left, prompting her to issue an apology on Saturday.
New York City Council member Shahana Hanif wrote on X, “I need to see changed behavior. I will not be forgiving you at this time.”
I need to see changed behavior. I will not be forgiving you at this time. https://t.co/IFe5Mk4Uas
— Shahana Hanif 🦾 (@ShahanaFromBK) February 17, 2024
New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani also accused her of “justifying genocide.”
“If Canada someday ever attacked Buffalo, I'm sorry my friends, there would be no Canada the next day. That’s a natural reaction."
Governor Hochul justifying genocide, while laughing.
Disgusting.pic.twitter.com/qdwHGBEjX9
— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) February 16, 2024
In her apology statement obtained by CNN, the Democratic governor said, “So there might be a little conflict here. But think about that. That is a natural reaction. You have a right to defend yourself and to make sure it never happens again. And that is Israel’s right. That was never my intention, and I apologize for my poor choice of words.”
She added, “While I have been clear in my support of Israel’s right to self-defense, I have also repeatedly said and continue to believe that Palestinian civilian casualties should be avoided and that more humanitarian aid must go to the people of Gaza.”
