With Governor Cuomo headed to Israel, his visit is about fostering economic development between the two countries while also acknowledging a rash of hate crimes and anti-Semitic threats sweeping across America. State house reporter Zack Fink will be traveling with the governor tomorrow, and joins us now from Israel with a preview.
Before departing on a night flight to Israel Saturday, Governor Cuomo held a press conference about his upcoming trip at the Park East synagogue in Manhattan.
"It's an important visit for us," Governor Cuomo said at the airport Saturday afternoon. "I've been there before. But the message this time is very important. There's been a rash of anti-Semitism all across the state, all across this nation. We take it very seriously."
According to the Governor there has been a rash of reported hate crimes, not only nationally but here in New York State. There have been Bomb threats to Jewish community centers, and Just this week a Jewish cemetery in Rochester New York was desecrated.
"In this situation as in so many others, I believe it's the state of New York's position to lead," Cuomo said. "We have more Jewish people in New York than any place outside of Israel. Our message is loud and clear, we will not tolerate this anti-Semitic behavior and we will do everything we can to stop it.
Saturday is the Sabbath for observers here in Jerusalem, a holy day. This normally bustling marketplace Mamilla doesn't get going until after sundown. We stopped by to get some impressions on Governor Cuomo's visit. And naturally, we ran into some New Yorkers.
"Well as a resident of New York State and a visitor to Israel I'm really quite proud of what the Governor is doing," said one New Yorker in the market. "I think right now to show support for Israel in the wake of all the anti-Semitic attacks that are taking place all across the United States, I think the Governor's actions are critically important."
While the Governor downplays his national ambitions there is no question he is on the short list of potential Democratic candidates for President in 2020. And he is now the first person on that list to visit Israel at this critical time.
"I think it's excellent that the Governor is coming," said another New Yorker in Jerusalem. "Showing solidarity to the Jewish state. As he has always done. The Governor has always been a friend of the Jewish people. It comes from his dad as well. I remember his dad as the Governor."
On Sunday Cuomo is expected to have a day packed with events – with a mixture of both economic development while at the same time standing with Israel and the Jewish people.
Cuomo is also expected to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.