Big Apple mayoral contenders Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa praised the living Israeli hostages’ return after two years in captivity – while the race’s front-runner Zohran Mamdani maintained silence Monday.
The release of 20 captives by Hamas after a President Trump-secured cease-fire deal drew celebration across New York City among crowds in Central Park and political leaders of nearly all political stripes.
Cuomo, the former governor who is running as an independent for mayor, evoked Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s famous quote: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.”
Eitan Abraham Mor, released from Gaza, embraces his loved ones at Rabin Medical Center. via REUTERS
“Today, we reject indifference & choose remembrance,” he said in a statement. “This is more than a diplomatic success; it is a moral moment, a reminder of our shared humanity and the sacred value of every life. We must never forget the terrorist act that brought us here, and we must stand together to say, with one voice: never forget and never again. Terrorism has no place in Gaza, in the Middle East, or anywhere in the world.”
Sliwa, the Republican nominee, found spiritual significance in the agonizing 738 days that the hostages stayed in captivity.
“A massive weight has been lifted from their families’ shoulders,” he said. “Peace is always the ultimate goal, and finally, an end to the war is something we all should celebrate,” he said in a statement.
Released Israeli hostage Evyatar David reacts upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva on Monday, October 13, 2025. AFP via Getty Images
“We pray that these hostages coming home can recover, and live peacefully again.”
The prayer for peace was also echoed by Mayor Eric Adams, who is no longer running for re-election.
Released Israeli hostage, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, held in Gaza since the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, kisses his mother after being freed. via REUTERS
“Our hearts are filled with joy as an end to the war in Gaza appears to be on the horizon, and families have finally been united,” he said in a statement. “We pray that this news will bring lasting peace, justice, and prosperity to Israelis and Palestinians alike.”
Mamdani, a harsh critic of Israel, didn’t join the chorus as of Monday afternoon.
He spent the morning running a 5K in Brooklyn, in which he raised money for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees – a controversial group that provides aid to Palestinians.
President Trump gestures as he boards Air Force One while en route to Egypt on Monday, October 13, 2025. REUTERS
New York Governor Kathy Hochul speaks out after the hostages were freed. Don Pollard
The relief over the hostages extended beyond New York City, the largest Jewish community in the world outside of Israel.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, in a solemn statement, noted the pointed impact that the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks had on New Yorkers.
“When I visited Israel in the immediate aftermath of the attack, I grieved alongside the families of Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” she said, referring to two New Yorkers held hostage and presumed dead.
“My heart is with them today, and with the many others who are still awaiting the closure they deserve. May the victims’ memories be a blessing, and may we never forget their loved ones’ pain.”
Matan Zangauker meeting his mother at the initial reception point after being released from Hamas, in Israel. AP
Hochul, without referring to President Trump by name, said she was grateful for his administration’s role in securing the hostages’ release.
“With their return and a permanent ceasefire, I’m hopeful that vital aid will soon reach families suffering in Gaza and that today marks the beginning of a new chapter of lasting peace and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike,” the Democrat said.
Republicans weren’t so shy about hailing Trump.
Released Israeli hostage Avinatan Or greets well-wishers upon arriving at Beilinson Hospital in the Rabin Medical Centre in Petah Tikva. AFP via Getty Images
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-Staten Island) cast the hostage deal as a victory for the president.
“President Trump is a real dealmaker and leader with the strength, power and chutzpah to deliver lasting peace,” she said.
Her fellow Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Hudson Valley) argued Trump showed “peace through strength works — although he said more needs to be done.
Stay up to date on the Israel-Hamas cease-fire exchange
“As we celebrate today, we continue to demand the return of the remains of the 28 hostages murdered by Hamas, including Americans Omer Neutra and Itay Chen,” he said. “Let me be clear: peace can only endure when terror is defeated, and every last hostage, living or deceased, is brought home.”
New York Representative, Nicole Malliotakis also spoke out after the hostages were freed. Michael McWeeney for NY Post
Likewise, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman called for Neutra’s return.
“Only President Trump could have pulled this off,” he said. “Very grateful for his leadership.”
– Additional reporting by Brandon Cruz and David Propper