New York Governor’s Father Dies Suddenly During Her Visit Showing Support for Wartime Israel

New York Governor Blindsided By Father's Sudden Death While Visiting Pounding Gaza Amid Israel's Retaliatory Strikes

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's visit to Israel during a time of conflict reaffirmed her commitment to supporting Israel's right to exist.
Governor Hochul met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog, discussing hostage rescue and aid for Gaza.
The Governor learned of her father, John Courtney's sudden passing from a brain hemorrhage in Florida while on her visit to Israel, reacting by grieving and leaving a note at the Western Wall.
Governor Hochul highlighted the violent reality of the conflict, referencing the sight of the aftermath at Kfar Aza and emphatically stating that it could not be equated with peaceful protests.
Despite the risk, Governor Hochul made an unscheduled stop at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during her visit, going against the advice of her security detail.