December 7, 2023
STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL ON INCIDENT AT TEMPLE ISRAEL IN ALBANY
“Earlier today, there was an incident where shots were fired on the premises of Temple Israel in Albany and federal, state and local law enforcement are conducting an investigation. We will update New Yorkers as we know more, but thankfully, there have been no injuries or fatalities. I have spoken to the Rabbi at Temple Israel and assured her the State will do everything in our power to restore the sense of security her community needs.
“I am immediately directing the New York State Police and New York National Guard to be on high alert and increase the existing patrols of at-risk sites we had planned for the Hanukkah holiday, including at synagogues, yeshivas and community centers, and working closely with local law enforcement. This builds on the significant efforts we have taken to protect religious communities in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Make no mistake: the safety of Jewish New Yorkers is non-negotiable.
“Any act of antisemitism is unacceptable, and undermining public safety at a synagogue on the first night of Hanukkah is even more deplorable. As New Yorkers, we must stand united: this is not who we are. We reject hate, antisemitism and violence in all forms. And we have no tolerance for the forces of evil who are trying to tear our communities apart.”
