Backs buffer zone

She added that “when people are under attack, under siege, I feel I must speak up with my voice on behalf of all and condemn anti-Semitism in every form that it takes.”

Hochul told attendees that there is “serious opposition” that “I don’t understand” to the idea of a 25-foot buffer zone, that would be protest free, outside entrances to houses of worship, including Jewish ones.

“In my heart, I believe that you all have the right to go to a place of worship without fear of harassment. You don’t need people screaming horrible messages to you,” she said. “You’re trying to walk in with your family and live your God-given right and your constitutional right to practice your religion. So we’re proposing a 25-foot buffer.”

“Raise up your voices now as we continue to go back and negotiate the final days, hopefully with the legislature,” she said.

NYC Mamdani negative

Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York City, is among those who have criticized such buffer zones. “I’ll say that when it comes to this legislation, I’m aware of the serious concerns that New Yorkers have raised regarding these bills limiting New Yorkers’ constitutional rights, and I will consider those concerns in my decision-making,” he told reporters.

Mamdani’s spokeswoman has said that synagogues violate international law when they host pro-Israel events, and the mayor has also said he would have the Israeli prime minister arrested if he is in New York City.

Hochul told attendees that the seder, “ this is the story of the Jewish people enduring through some horrific times, but always coming out with your heads held high and proud of the traditions that have been bestowed to all of you, and passing them on to our beautiful children who are here this evening.”