New York Governor Kathy Hochul apologized Friday night after saying at an earlier event that if Canada attacked New York in the same way that Hamas attacked Israel, the United States would destroy Canada.
“I regret using an inappropriate analogy that I now realize could be hurtful to members of our community. That was never my intention, and I apologize for my poor choice of words.” Hochul said on Friday.
Hochul spoke about the October 7 Islamic terrorist attack on Israel during a Thursday lecture at the United Jewish Appeal-Federation of New York in Manhattan.
Hamas militants massacred 1,200 Israelis, wounded thousands more, and kidnapped hundreds.
“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.” Hochul said
“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.” she continued.
“I love Canada, but we did have the War of 1812. They did burn Buffalo,” she added. “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.” she concluded.
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