'We support and stand by Israel.' New York
Photo: AP
New York bans Hamas aid
State Assembly rules residents don't want to help Hamas-led Palestinian government
In a rare move, the New York State Assembly on Tuesday unanimously decided that New York State residents will not help the Hamas-led Palestinian government,
Israel's leading newspaper, Yedioth Ahronoth, reported on Wednesday.
The Assembly’s 150 members said they view with “contempt” Hamas’ victory in the legislative elections “without being asked to denounce terror and recognize Israel’s right to exist,” and noted that since 2000 Hamas was responsible for 425 terror attacks in which 377 people were killed.
“We support and stand by Israel, in declaring the closest friendship,” legislatures said. The Assembly quoted a similar law passed by the Washington State Senate which banned direct assistance to the Palestinian government so long it is calling for the destruction of Israel.
In a gesture of friendship, the Assembly invited Israel Consul-General in New York, Aryeh Mekel, to attend the session which was held in Albany.
A draft of the law will be presented to Mekel who will be asked to submit it to the Israeli government.
