Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah confirmed Saturday night that six local law enforcement leaders were among New York’s 32-member delegation “that traveled to Israel Oct. 5” for a training session and are awaiting evacuation. in the country.
“A deputy chief investigator from our office was one of six law enforcement leaders from Westchester County along with a 32-member New York delegation that traveled to Israel on October 5 for an international counterterrorism exercise and antisemitism,” Rocah said. “I was speaking with our deputy chief who informed me that although the delegation is near the Gaza Strip, they have taken refuge in a safe location and every effort is being made for their safe return to New York.”
ISRAEL DECLARES WAR AFTER HAMAS SURPRISE ATTACK, LAUNCHES RETALIATORY AIRSTRIKES ON GAZA
Fire and smoke rise following an Israeli airstrike, in Gaza City, Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
“While I am personally overcome with emotions about the destruction that is happening in Israel, I share the gratitude that I hear from our colleagues about their well-being and protection during their evacuation despite the desire to stay for their a week of training,” he added.
In a statement to CBS News, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s focus is on getting stranded New Yorkers out of Israel.
Asked if he knew how many New Yorkers were stranded in the country, Hochul said on the way out“We’re trying to get a headcount on that. We’ve contacted embassies, the State Department. I’ve talked in personal conversations with a lot of New Yorkers who are in Israel right now, some in Tel Aviv, which is under attack as we speak. Jerusalem is a little quieter right now, at least for now, so we’re actually getting real-time reports from people, but there are no flights coming in or out. So we’re talking about how we can bring the people of New York back safely.”
In a statement to CBS News, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s focus is on getting stranded New Yorkers out of Israel. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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“The reports are absolutely terrifying and horrifying and devastating,” Hochul added. “People are stranded. People are in shelters. People are within a block or two of an explosion, and there’s just really fear and panic reigning in the community.”
