NY governor warns Jews against leaving New York, moving to Florida even though NY state leads nation in antisemitism

New York Governor Kathy Hochul last week told Jewish residents not to leave the Empire State, and specifically cautioned them against moving to Republican-led Florida. The unelected governor made the remarks at a bill signing to commission a study on how well schools are teaching children about the Holocaust. 

“I just want to say to the 1.77 million Jews who call New York home: Thank you for calling New York home. Don’t go anywhere or to another state. Florida is overrated. I shouldn’t say this, but look at the governor. It starts at the top down,” Hochul said, taking a shot at Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. 

“Getting in trouble – gotta stay on script,” the governor quickly added. 

Jewish New York residents have been migrating to Florida as New York leads the United States in antisemitic hate crimes.  

2021 saw a 24% rise in antisemitic attacks over 2020, according to the UJA Federation of New York, with 416 hate crimes up from 366. 2020 data from New York State’s Criminal Justice Division revealed Jews to be the most attacked minority in the state. 

In New York City, Jewish people continue to top the list of hate victims, with 149 reported antisemitic incidents in 2022 as of June 28. Asian Americans are next with 51 anti-Asian hate crimes, followed by “male homosexual gay” at 42 hate crimes, followed by Blacks, Muslims and other minorities. 

Florida, by contrast, ranks 47th in United States in overall hate crimes. 2020 saw 22 hate antisemitic incidents, and overall hate crimes in the Sunshine State have been declining since 2002. 

Since assuming office in August 2021, Hochul has escalated restrictions on the state, including the forced masking of children in defiance of a New York State Supreme Court ruling. 

As reported by America’s Frontline News earlier this month, a new law signed last month by Hochul has two thousand speed cameras across New York City now operating 24/7, an increase from 6 AM – 10 PM. 

Hochul also recently signed legislation enforcing strict gun restrictions in a vengeful response to a June Supreme Court ruling deeming the state’s concealed carry laws unconstitutional and violations of the Second Amendment. 

When asked for the data justifying her decision, Hochul explained she “doesn’t need” data, saying only that she has a responsibility to “protect the people.” 

New York City residents, who now find themselves unarmed and under increased surveillance, also remain under a strict vaccine mandate which only allows employment to those injected with the COVID-19 shots, for their own safety.  

Hochul came under fire Monday after a report by Times Union revealed that Russ Maxwell, a “significant” donor to Hochul's campaign, has won a $1 billion-per-year state contract. Maxwell also hosted a fundraiser for Hochul in April.