Gov. Hochul Pledges Support for Yeshivas and Protection for Orthodox Jews in New Letter to the K’lal

By Yehudit Garmaise

Gov. Kathy Hochul attempted to regain favor with NY’s Orthodox Jewish community just now when she released a letter in which she pledged her solidarity with Jewish New Yorkers and asked for their votes in the gubernatorial election on Nov. 8.

In her letter, the governor promised Yidden that she will “do everything in her power to protect Jews from evil and hate and will continue to fight to protect [yeshivas.]”

The letter appeared on WhatsApp groups this afternoon, just 12 hours after the governor had a heart-to-heart conversation with Chassidic community leaders last night in a closed-door meeting at a private Boro Park home.

“I recognize that education is an important value in the Jewish community, and I want to assure everyone that Jewish schools will always be treated with fairness and respect," the letter read.

“As lieutenant governor, I visited many Jewish summer camps in the Catskill mountains, and I got to see, firsthand the wonderful children coming through our yeshiva system across our great state.

“As governor, my understanding of, and appreciation for the Jewish community has grown even stronger.

“I ask you for your support in this upcoming election and look forward to continuing to serve as your governor.”

Despite her efforts, the Boro Park Leaders of Belz, Satmar (Williamsburg), Bobov, and Bobov-45 endorsed Zeldin today, just days after the Flatbush Jewish Community Coalition, and Crown Heights community leaders announced their support for the Republican challanger.