In the wake of the recent Hamas-Israel conflict in the Middle East, former Governor Andrew Cuomo has urged his successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, to deploy the National Guard in order to protect the Jewish community amidst a concerning surge in antisemitism. Cuomo expressed his solidarity with the Jewish community, stating that an attack on any New Yorker is an attack on every New Yorker.

Cuomo highlighted the efforts made in previous years by New York leaders to assign additional police and law enforcement personnel to synagogues and Jewish neighborhoods following attacks or threats. However, he stressed that the current wave of antisemitism post-Hamas' attack on Israel is unprecedented, dangerous, and the worst he has witnessed in his lifetime.

"New Yorkers of all faiths need to stand together with the Jewish community not just with words but actions," Cuomo emphasized. He argued that attacks on individuals of the Jewish faith are essentially attacks on all New Yorkers, and therefore, the National Guard should be deployed to Jewish centers and places of worship as a strong message against hate.

Governor Hochul's spokesman, Avi Small, acknowledged the concern for safety and reassured that immediate action had been taken. State troopers were deployed on October 7 to safeguard Jewish New Yorkers at synagogues and other community sites, and these efforts are continuing. Small reiterated the Governor's strong stand against hate, violence, and antisemitism.

In her commitment to combat bias crimes, Governor Hochul announced a significant allocation of funds. $50 million will be dedicated to law enforcement, while $25 million is intended for supporting at-risk community groups. Additionally, Hochul unveiled a comprehensive plan to address antisemitism, which includes an independent state investigation into antisemitism at the City University of New York.

While Governor Hochul stopped short of activating the National Guard, reactions among New Yorkers have been divided in response to Cuomo's call for military intervention. Some critics accuse him of grandstanding, considering it unnecessary given the existing safety measures in place. Former Brooklyn state Assemblyman Dov Hikind, founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, expressed his skepticism, stating that "Our city is not burning" and cautioning against the creation of more fear and trepidation in the Jewish community.

However, there are also those who support Cuomo's stance on military deployment. O'Brien Murray, a political consultant known for working with moderate Democrats and Republicans, praised the former governor for his call to action. Murray highlighted the need for protection, particularly after arrests were made during a recent anti-Israel protest at Grand Central Terminal, where hundreds called for the eradication of the Jewish state.

While opinions differ, Cuomo's plea for the National Guard's involvement shines a light on the crucial issue of rising antisemitism in New York. As Governor Hochul continues to prioritize the safety of the Jewish community through ongoing police protection and substantial funding for law enforcement and community groups, the conversation surrounding the appropriate response to combat hate and violence remains at the forefront.