B-Roll, Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks and Participates in Community Seder

Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated the start of Passover by attending a community Seder at the Congregation Gates of Heaven.

B-ROLL of the Governor participating in the community seder is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

VIDEO: The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).

AUDIO: The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.

PHOTOS: The Governor's Flickr page will post photos of the event here.

A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:

Good evening and Happy Passover, everyone. I know you're all ready to start this incredible celebration, so I will not delay. But I did want to join you this evening because I'm so cognizant of the pain that is being suffered by so many people in the Jewish faith and your beliefs are under attack, and the rise in antisemitism is something that hurts all of us. But it pains me deeply, as the leader of a great state that is home to a larger Jewish community than anywhere in the world outside of Israel — and I'm very proud of that fact. But when people are under attack, under siege, I feel I must speak up with my voice on behalf of all and condemn antisemitism in every form that it takes. And what happened to Rabbi Matt just a short time ago was treated as a hate crime because I worked hard with the legislature last year or two years ago to get hate crimes designated as bail eligible, because otherwise it was not taken as seriously in the court of law. So that is something we changed and we are feeling the effects already.

You also spoke about the 25 foot buffer and I need your voices to step up. I'm so proud that your Rabbi was part of the effort to help persuade others. And there's a serious opposition against this idea, which I don't understand because in my heart, I believe that you all have the right to go to a place of worship without fear of harassment. You don't need people screaming horrible messages to you. You're trying to walk in with your family and live your God given right and your constitutional right to practice your religion — so we're proposing a 25 foot buffer. Raise up your voices now as we continue to go back and negotiate the final days hopefully with the legislature. So Elisa, thank you for the invitation to be here. And Michelle Ostrelich, I want to thank our county legislator here for joining us as well. Our Assemblymember Phil Steck has joined us as well

I don't need to explain the exodus, the story of Moses. I'm a Catholic, but I was raised in the Judeo-Christian faith. My parents took us to many interfaith services like this in my community where I was raised. So I've been to many, many Seders and I know the significance of it. And just a few days ago, I was at a yeshiva in Flatbush with the little children first graders, learning the significance of each of the elements of the Seder. And it was so touching to see them embracing this story that I know has been passed on through thousands of years to all of us here today, but because of the teachings of our children — it's going to endure for many centuries to come.

And I'm so honored to be your Governor. I'm here to celebrate with you as long as I can slip away for a little bit from the budget conversations — but it is a nice break for me. I just wanted to extend to you a heart full of love at this time, and I know there's enormous pain and suffering out there. And please know I'm the first mom Governor — I feel pain deeply because everyone in the state is one of my family and part of my family. They are my children, so I'm there to fight for you.

I will stand up anytime, anywhere you need me to call out the antisemitism and all the other horrible instances of hatred espoused toward the people of the Jewish religion. I'm here for you. I wanted to convey that directly and tell you that I'm looking forward to the celebration, but also know that we will endure. That is the story of the Jewish people enduring through some horrific times, but always coming out with your heads held high and proud of the traditions that have been bestowed to all of you, and passing them on to our beautiful children who are here this evening.

Thank you very much.