Andrew Cuomo announces progressive pro-Israel advocacy group
Ryan King
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Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announced plans to establish a group named Progressives for Israel to push for his fellow Democrats to stand behind the Jewish state.
Cuomo paired the battle against antisemitism with the importance of recognizing “Israel’s right to exist and defend itself” during remarks announcing the new advocacy group. He stepped down as governor of the Empire State back in 2021 amid sexual misconduct allegations he denied and is rumored to be mulling a run for Senate in 2024.
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“You cannot denounce antisemitism but waver on Israel’s right to exist and defend itself. And it shouldn’t just be our Jewish officials but it should be non-Jewish officials who speak first and loudest,” Cuomo declared. “I am going to call the question for Democrats, ‘Do you stand with Israel or do you stand against Israel,’ because silence is not an option.”
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Cuomo’s announcement was made in a prerecorded video to honor the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, a major act of rebellion in German-occupied Poland against Nazi oppression during World War II.
Details about the new group were not immediately provided.
“Silence is not enough for my friends. Never again is not a prayer, it is a call to action. It is not passive, it is active. It will never happen again because we will never allow it to happen again,” Cuomo stressed.
Democrats have splintered on Israel, with many progressives such as members of the so-called “Squad” raising concerns about Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians, specifically its settlement and occupation policies. Multiple Democrats voted against funding the replenishment of Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system last year. President Joe Biden has affirmed his support for Israel.
Cuomo was vaulted to national stardom in progressive circles for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic but then became engulfed in controversy after nearly a dozen women came forward with various accusations of misconduct ranging from crude remarks to unwanted advances.
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He disputed that characterization of many of those accusations but resigned on Aug. 23, 2021, following a report from New York Attorney General Letitia James detailing allegations from 11 different women. Upon his resignation, then-Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) ascended to the governor’s office and recently won reelection last year.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has recently warned donors that Cuomo may mount a challenge for her seat as she gears up for reelection, the Daily Beast reported.