Today, upon landing in Israel, Governor Andrew Cuomo met with President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin while on a solidarity and economic development trip. The Governor is traveling with senior members of his administration, MTA Executive Director Ronnie Hakim, UDC and Technion Board Member Eric Gertler and his three daughters Mariah, Cara and Michaela Kennedy Cuomo.
Governor Andrew Cuomo offered his condolences to President Rivlin on the death of his wife, Nechama, said, “Mr. President, when we first met in 2014 we talked about anti-Semitism as a concept. The difference in just five years is frightening. Now there is world-wide anger and intolerance, where any difference is demonized. The NYPD has reported an 83% rise in anti-Semitism over the last year. Our Jewish community is an intrinsic part of New York State and we are doing everything we can to fight back.” The governor also noted that he was accompanied on his visit by his three daughters as a personal statement of the importance he and his family attach to Israel. “We are family,” he told the president.
The president thanked the governor for his constant and vocal friendship and support for Israel over many years. “You are a true friend,” the president said. “Welcome back to Israel and to Jerusalem, our capital! It is good to see you, as always,” noting that the two share the same views on the US-Israel relationship and the vital importance of preserving bi-partisan support.
Speaking about anti-Semitism, the president said, “Like you, I am concerned about rising anti-Semitism and appreciate everything you are doing to combat it. We must show absolute opposition to racism and discrimination of any kind.”
The president also spoke about the strong ties between Israel and New York: “Every time you come, there are even more areas of cooperation between Israel and New York. We work closely together on technology, cyber, digital health, law enforcement and academia. We also both have densely populated areas that are targets for terrorism, and can learn much from each other about this.”
This is the third time Governor Cuomo has visited Israel in his current role, following visits during Operation Defensive Shield in 2014 and following a wave of anti-Semitic attacks in New York in 2017.
Later, Governor Cuomo announced a $2 million partnership agreement with the Israel Innovation Authority for two new programs that will further strengthen economic development ties between New York State and Israel. Empire State Development will sign a Declaration of Intent with the Israel Innovation Authority to cooperate on the co-development and commercialization of innovative solutions in the fields of cybersecurity, supply chain, smart cities, energy, unmanned aerial vehicles, life sciences and other areas. As part of the agreement, New York State and Israel will establish a Smart Cities Innovation Partnership, a new initiative that will share innovative technologies, research, talent and business resources between cities in New York and Israel. The Governor also announced that New York State’s Hot Spot and Incubator programs will now implement a new focus on Israeli companies who want to invest in the Empire State.
“The New York-Israel economic relationship is unique and it is strong, but we want to make it even better. The future of New York is going to be growth in the tech sector, and this joint venture between New York and Israel will develop new opportunities that allow both economies to thrive even further,” Governor Cuomo said. “With the rise in anti-Semitic attacks in our State and across the nation, we are here to say how sad, embarrassed and disgusted we are with these incidents, and that we will not let it stand. We will get over this ugly period of division and hatred, and one of the ways to do that is by continuing to develop this deep cultural, political and economic relationship.”
