Empire State Building lights up blue and white in support of Israel

The top of the Empire State Building was illuminated in blue and white on Saturday night in support of Israel.

It was one of several buildings in and around the city lit up in solidarity with the Israeli people on the day of attacks by Hamas terrorists that killed hundreds.

They included One World Trade Center, operated jointly by the Port Authority and the Durst Organization, and City Hall.

Tonight from 10-11PM the Empire State Building will shine in the colors of the Israeli flag pic.twitter.com/1yU4HDbSVA

— Empire State Building (@EmpireStateBldg) October 7, 2023

The Empire State Building was previously lit up in the colors of the Israeli flag from April 25 into April 26 to celebrate Israeli Independence Day.

Gov. Hochul ordered several state-owned structures lit up in blue and white, including Moynihan Train Hall and the Mario Cuomo Bridge, which links Rockland and Westchester counties across the Hudson River.

“New York stands with Israel – today and every day,” Hochul said in a statement. “New York is proud to be home to the largest Jewish population outside Israel, and as Governor I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure this community is supported, uplifted and protected.”

Mayor Adams similarly condemned the surprise attack by Hamas, calling it “nothing more than a cowardly action by a terrorist organization seeking to undo that peace and divide us into factions.”

New York City has the largest Jewish population in the world outside of Israel, and we stand side by side with Israel every day — but we do so with extra resolve tonight. pic.twitter.com/CmWuKGEEfg

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) October 7, 2023

Hamas fighters poured across the border between Israel and Gaza early Saturday morning, as more militants fired rockets into Israel in a coordinated attack that took Israeli and American intelligence by surprise.

Israel responded with full military force, pounding Gaza with airstrikes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his nation was “at war” and vowed an “unprecedented price” for the attack.