Israel at war after surprise assault by Hamas

NEW YORK -- Leaders in New York and New Jersey are reacting to the unprecedented Hamas attack in Israel on Saturday. 

Israeli authorities said hundreds were killed and hundreds were wounded in the deadliest attack in Israel in years, CBS News reported. 

The NYPD released a statement saying, "We are aware of the situation and continue to monitor for further developments. At this time there is no known threat nor nexus to New York City."

NYPD deploying resources to Jewish communities

Mayor Eric Adams said the NYPD is deploying resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship across the five boroughs as a precaution. 

"We have resources on the ground in Israel gathering intelligence, and we are continually monitoring multiple channels to identify any potential threats, both here and abroad. I am also communicating directly with Police Commissioner Caban and Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism Weiner about the situation. While there is no credible threat to New York City at this time, our administration is in touch with Jewish leaders across the five boroughs, and we have directed the NYPD to deploy additional resources to Jewish communities and houses of worship citywide to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to make sure everyone feels safe," Adams said. 

We extend our sincerest condolences for all the innocent lives lost in these attacks, and hope that not another family has to experience the pain of losing a loved one.

My full statement: https://t.co/4SsgIXgWmH

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 7, 2023

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson added, "Working closely with our law enforcement partners in our Borough to ensure that our Jewish communities, Muslim communities, synagogues and mosques are safe during this time of heightened security. We stand with Israel and are praying for abundant peace."

Working closely with our law enforcement partners in our Borough to ensure that our Jewish communities, Muslim communities, synagogues and mosques are safe during this time of heightened security. We stand with Israel and are praying for abundant peace. 🙏 @NYPDPBBronx

— Hon. Vanessa L. Gibson, MPA (She, Her, Hers) (@Vanessalgibson) October 7, 2023

Gov. Hochul working to get New Yorkers home safely

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, New York condemns the abhorrent attacks by Hamas. I stand with the people of Israel."   

As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, New York condemns the abhorrent attacks by Hamas. I stand with the people of Israel.

— Governor Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) October 7, 2023

She also spoke to CBS New York about her efforts to get New Yorkers in Israel home safely.

• Read more: Gov. Kathy Hochul "working tirelessly" to get New Yorkers in Israel home safely in wake of Hamas attack

CBS New York's Jessi Mitchell also spoke to people from the Tri-State Area who are trying to find a way to get home.

• Read more: Americans in Israel trying to find a way out after Hamas attacks: "People have to live in fear"

New York, New Jersey leaders condemn attack in Israel

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "The terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel are absolutely horrific. The U.S. stands with Israel in its unwavering right to defend itself. I stand ready to ensure Israel has the support to do so. My prayers are with the dead, reported hostages, and hundreds injured."

The terrorist attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel are absolutely horrific. The U.S. stands with Israel in its unwavering right to defend itself. I stand ready to ensure Israel has the support to do so. My prayers are with the dead, reported hostages, and hundreds injured.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) October 7, 2023

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said, "I'm horrified by the scenes we've seen in Israel today. I strongly condemn these terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens, and my heart goes out to the families of those who have been killed or injured. The United States' support for Israel is unwavering."

I'm horrified by the scenes we've seen in Israel today. I strongly condemn these terrorist attacks against Israeli citizens, and my heart goes out to the families of those who have been killed or injured. The United States' support for Israel is unwavering.

— Kirsten Gillibrand (@SenGillibrand) October 7, 2023

Rep. Ritchie Torres said on X, "I stand it with Israel as she seeks to defend herself ... Those who insists Israel do nothing in the face of terror are holding the Jewish State to a dangerous double standard that no other country, including our own, would ever accept."

I stand it with Israel as she seeks to defend herself.

Imagine terrorists armed with machine guns invading your community and home, searching for people to murder and abduct.

If your community and home were invaded, if your family, friends, and neighbors were murdered,…

— Ritchie Torres (@RitchieTorres) October 7, 2023

On X, the New York City Council Jewish Caucus wrote, "As Jewish members of the @NYCcouncil, while we should be celebrating the joyous holidays of Shabbat and Simchat Torah, we are instead heartbroken at this morning's unprecedented terrorist attacks on Israel. We stand with Israel and condemn these attacks."

As Jewish members of the @NYCcouncil, while we should be celebrating the joyous holidays of Shabbat and Simchat Torah, we are instead heartbroken at this morning's unprecedented terrorist attacks on Israel.

We stand with Israel and condemn these attacks.

— NYC Jewish Caucus (@NYCJewishCaucus) October 7, 2023

Rockland County Executive Ed Day released the following statement;

"My administration extends sincere condolences to all the innocent lives lost in terrorist attacks in Israel Saturday.

"These horrific attacks claimed the lives of at least 300 people and left over 2,000 injured.

"Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by an attack that can only be described as pure evil."

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement, saying in part:

The world must unequivocally condemn terrorism against innocent civilians. Just like any country, the State of Israel has a right to defend itself and rescue hostages who have been kidnapped. As a state with one of the largest Jewish and Israeli American communities in the world, today's news is especially hard to fathom. As Governor, I stand with the people of Israel in this dark hour in a united show of resolve against terrorism.

Tammy and I are sickened by the videos and images of Hamas terrorists attacking, killing, and kidnapping innocent Israeli civilians in an unprecedented coordinated series of terrorist attacks.

We share the pain that so many are feeling today in Israel, NJ, and across the world. pic.twitter.com/nxn73zRfsh

— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) October 7, 2023

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin released a statement saying in part:

I have been in communication with the 21 County Prosecutors and law enforcement leaders across the state. While there is no credible threat to safety, law enforcement will be increasing patrols in sensitive areas -- particularly houses of worship for both the Jewish and Islamic faiths -- and taking other steps out of an abundance of caution. We also call upon New Jersey residents to be extra vigilant, and if you see suspicious activity please report it to your local authorities without delay.

Statement from Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin Regarding Precautions Being Taken in New Jersey in Response to the Attacks in Israel. pic.twitter.com/DACQ1AO4nG

— Attorney General Matt Platkin (@NewJerseyOAG) October 7, 2023

New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez released this statement: 

I emphatically condemn the murderous invasion by Hamas into Israel during its religious holidays. The killing of innocent Israelis in their homes by Hamas, during an invasion from Gaza, shows them to be what they are – a murderous terrorist organization. I hope the detractors of Israel will now understand the constant life and death struggle the Israeli people live with every day. It is time for the international community to unequivocally condemn Hamas. The United States must unequivocally stand with Israel at this time of war with Hamas.

Leaders across the U.S. have vowed to support Israel after the attack. 

New York landmarks to light up in support of Israel

Gov. Hochul has directed landmarks across New York state be illuminated in blue and white in solidarity with Israel.

Those landmarks include:

• One World Trade Center,
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge,
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building,
• Empire State Plaza,
• State Fairgrounds - Main Gate & Expo Center,
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building,
• Niagara Falls,
• Moynihan Train Hall,
• The Walkway Over the Hudson State Park and Friends of the Walkway Over the Hudson,
• Kosciuszko Bridge,
• And Albany International Airport Gateway.

Mayor Eric Adams shared a photo of New York's City Hall also lit in blue and white.

New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day — but we do so with extra resolve tonight. pic.twitter.com/CmWuKGEEfg

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 7, 2023

Click here for the latest updates from CBS News

In:
• Hamas
• Israel
• New York City

CBS New York Team

The CBS New York team is a group of experienced journalists who bring you the content on CBSNewYork.com.

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