(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul has directed state buildings and landmarks across New York to honor the victims and hostages of the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel with flags at half-staff and yellow lighting on October 7.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul announced that flags on all New York State buildings will be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, October 7, in remembrance of the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. Landmarks statewide will also be illuminated in yellow as a symbol of solidarity with Israel and the 48 hostages who remain in captivity.
“Two years after the horrific attack on the people of Israel, we stand with Jewish people in New York and around the world today and every day, and remember the victims of that tragic day and those still held hostage today,” Governor Hochul said. “As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, we mourn this tragedy and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a lasting peace.”
Among the New York landmarks to be illuminated are One World Trade Center, the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, the Kosciuszko Bridge, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, and Moynihan Train Hall. Other participating sites include the State Education Building, H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Fairgrounds, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, and Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal.
The Governor’s directive follows recent incidents of antisemitic violence abroad. Earlier this week, an attack in Manchester, England, disrupted Yom Kippur observances, prompting increased security measures in New York. Hochul ordered the State Police to heighten patrols at religious sites and increase engagement with Jewish communities across the state.
Enhanced uniformed patrols and coordination with the state’s Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU) and special operations teams remain in place to ensure safety and preparedness.
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