Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has concluded her emotional visit to Israel, where she met with Israeli leaders, visited a kibbutz at the Gaza border, and tragically learned of her father's passing. The purpose of Hochul's trip was to show support for the Jewish state and meet with families affected by the recent attack by Hamas terrorists. Hochul's father, John Courtney, 87, passed away from a brain hemorrhage in Florida while she was in Israel. During her visit to Jerusalem's Western Wall, Hochul placed a handwritten note into a crack in the wall, expressing her prayers for Israel and her father.

While in Israel, Hochul witnessed the aftermath of the deadly attack on Kfar Aza, a kibbutz located just one mile from the Gaza border. The governor wore a bulletproof vest as she surveyed the devastation, which claimed the lives of 70 people. The scene was described as horrifying, with blood covering the walls, floors, and mattresses. Hochul recounted witnessing the room where a hostage had been held before being fatally shot in the head. These images served as a stark reminder of Israel's right to defend itself and its citizens.

Hochul's trip reinforced her commitment to supporting Israel's existence. She emphasized that this attack was different from previous conflicts, as innocent people were specifically targeted. She likened it to the Holocaust, condemning the intentional cruelty and depravity. Throughout her visit, Hochul met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, discussing the rescue of hostages and the provision of humanitarian aid for Gaza.

As the leader of a state with a significant Jewish population, Hochul was aware of the protests against Israel's treatment of Palestinians. While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, she stressed the heinous nature of the recent attack and emphasized that it should not be equated with other conflicts. Hochul called for a clear recognition of the events that occurred and expressed the need for peace in the region.

Tragically, Hochul received the news of her father's passing during her flight to Israel. In addition to her visit to the Western Wall, she also made an unscheduled stop at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where she knelt and prayed. Hochul shared that her father, in his rough Irish manner, had told her to "keep your goddam head down" before her departure, illustrating his support for her political career.

Following her return from Israel, Governor Hochul plans to travel to Florida to be with her family. The trip allowed her to strengthen ties with Israeli leaders, show solidarity with those affected by the attack, and reflect on the importance of peace in the region.