Andrew Cuomo (AP)
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has issued an apology to Jewish New Yorkers for the Covid-19 lockdown measures he implemented five years ago, which prohibited large gatherings, closed schools, and disrupted religious observances.The apology comes hours before Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, and as Cuomo seeks a political comeback with a mayoral bid.In the video, Cuomo stated that his decisions were aimed at safeguarding the health and safety of New Yorkers during the unprecedented pandemic that claimed roughly 80,000 lives.“However, I recognize some of those decisions caused pain in the Jewish community because we did not always fully consider the sensitivities and traditions that are so deeply important,” Cuomo said in the video, as reported by the New York Post. “We could have done better and for that I’m truly sorry,” he said. “My decision doesn’t change the impact. I sincerely ask for your understanding.”The lockdowns, intended to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus, faced criticism from residents in Brooklyn and Queens’ ultra-Orthodox communities.Orthodox groups perceived the restrictions as disproportionately affecting their communities. Despite this, Jewish political groups, primarily representing Orthodox communities, endorsed Cuomo for mayor on Tuesday, just two days after incumbent Eric Adams withdrew from the race. Community groups and local leaders jointly announced their support for Cuomo, stating, “we believe it is essential to speak with one voice at this critical time,” as reported by the Times of Israel.The statement added, “we are deeply concerned about the direction that mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani would take our city,” citing Mamdani’s comments on policing, his past endorsement of the phrase “globalize the intifada,” and his “socialist policies that we believe would create chaos” and endanger their communities.
