New York Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered state buildings to fly flags at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, Oct. 7, and directed landmarks—including One World Trade Center, the Mario M. Cuomo and Kosciuszko bridges, Empire State Plaza, Niagara Falls, Grand Central Terminal’s Pershing Square Viaduct, and Moynihan Train Hall—to be illuminated yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages. The move marks two years since the Hamas assault; Hochul said New York, home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, mourns the victims and prays for the hostages’ safe return and a lasting peace. Citing a recent antisemitic attack in Manchester, England, she also ordered heightened State Police patrols at religious sites and increased engagement by the Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit and special-operations teams.
New York. Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-staff and Landmarks to Be Lit Yellow in Remembrance on the Anniversary of the October 7 Attack on Israel
Governor Kathy Hochul today directed flags on State buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, October 7 in remembrance of the victims of the Hamas attack on Israel two years ago. Additionally, the Governor directed landmarks to be illuminated in yellow in solidarity with Israel and the 48 remaining hostages who have not been returned home.
“Two years after the horrific attack on the people of Israel, we stand with Jewish people in New York and around the world today and every day, and remember the victims of that tragic day and those still held hostage today,” Governor Hochul said. “As the home of the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, we mourn this tragedy and continue to pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, an end to the war, and a lasting peace.”
Landmarks to be illuminated include:
- 1WTC
- Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
- Kosciuszko Bridge
- The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
- State Education Building
- Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
- Empire State Plaza
- State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
- Niagara Falls
- The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
- Grand Central Terminal – Pershing Square Viaduct
- Albany International Airport Gateway
- MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
- Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
- Moynihan Train Hall
Earlier this week, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar was marred by a horrific act of antisemitic violence in Manchester, England. Out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul directed New York State Police to increase patrols at religious sites and initiate outreach to Jewish communities statewide. Heightened uniformed patrols remain in place this week, and the state Counter Terrorism Intelligence Unit (CTIU) and special operations teams will be fully engaged.
October 6, 2025
Albany, NY
Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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