NEW YORK, N.Y. (WENY) -- Governor Kathy Hochul made a powerful statement at Sunday's JCRC-NY Israel Day on Fifth Parade. She is urgently asking for the release of hostages.

“Bring them home now… We stand together united as a state that says, ‘Let these families be in peace. Let them be with their loved ones. Let that happen not a day longer," says New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Hochul shared New York's ongoing commitment to combating antisemitism. She announced plans to pass tougher hate crime laws, increase security grants, and ensure Holocaust education in schools. 

“We will continue to fight the scourge of antisemitism, which has reared its ugly head in unspeakable ways, even in our home state. We’ll continue to pass tougher laws related to hate crimes. We’ll protect our institutions with more security grants. And we will make sure that Holocaust education is happening in our schools," says Hochul.

In her statement, Hochul shared that New York continues its ongoing support for the hostage families, Jewish people across America, and the state of Israel.

"We stand together today to support Israel, to support the hostage families, and of course, Jewish people all over America are united," said Hochul.