Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown, in partnership with the Buffalo Common Council and Buffalo’s Jewish community, announced today that the American Flag, Israeli Flag and the Ukrainian Flag in Niagara Square are now flying at half-staff in remembrance of the lives lost as a result of the recent terrorist attacks against the State of Israel.
Mayor Brown said, “Buffalo is the proud home to a large Jewish population and I want our Jewish community to know that we are doing everything we can to support and protect them during this challenging time. We are horrified by the unspeakable violence in Israel and condemn the attack by Hamas. The lives of innocent Israeli, Palestinian and American civilians must be protected as we continue to pray for peace in the Middle East and around the world.”
“My prayers are with those suffering from this horrific violence and for a quick and peaceful resolution,” said Buffalo Common Council President Darius Pridgen. “On behalf of the Buffalo Common Council, we stand in solidarity with the people of that region during this challenging time.”
Over the weekend, Mayor Brown announced that Buffalo police, working with Amherst police, have increased patrols near synagogues and other areas following the heinous attacks. In addition to increased patrols, Buffalo police and Amherst police continue to share joint intelligence as they work with the Director of Community Security for the Buffalo Jewish Federation. Police say they have not received any direct threats at this time but continue to monitor the situation with assistance from local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
Buffalo Jewish Federation CEO Rob Goldberg said, “We express our deepest gratitude to Mayor Brown and his administration for supporting the Buffalo Jewish community and standing in solidarity with the State of Israel during this difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with all those impacted by this horrific act of terrorism.”
Mayor Brown also directed the top of Buffalo City Hall to remain Blue and White, the colors of the Israeli flag, indefinitely, in a show of continued solidarity with the State of Israel. He asked members of the Buffalo Landmark Illumination Team (BUFFALOLIT) to do the same.