Mayor de Blasio says he 'stands with Israel' ahead of visit to country
Mayor de Blasio said Thursday his upcoming trip to Israel has “taken on extra meaning” amid a spate of violence there.
“I’m proud to be going at a moment when Israel is in need, and where friends need to stand and be counted,” de Blasio told reporters. “We’re looking forward to what’s obviously going to be a sober environment, and a difficult environment, but I look forward to meeting with my fellow Israeli mayors and mayors from around the world to stand in solidarity with Israel.”
Shooting and stabbing attacks in Jerusalem and other Israeli cities have killed eight people in the last month, but de Blasio said he wasn’t worried for his safety.
“I’m obviously deeply troubled by the attacks on innocent Israelis and the atmosphere there. And I think the fact is, it’s a moment that really causes a lot of heartbreak, that innocent lives are being taken,” he said.
http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/mayor-de-blasio-stands-israel-article-1.2399265