KINGSTON – Congressman Pat Ryan (D, NY-18) was the keynote speaker at Wednesday’s Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce breakfast. He was to address issues pertaining to the business community, but his remarks were abruptly interrupted as a dozen people stood up holding signs and demanding that he support an immediate ceasefire the fighting in Gaza.
Ryan has maintained Israel has the right to defend itself following the October 7 Hamas attack that murdered over 1,000 civilians.
Maurice Shnaider, a Kingston native was at the breakfast. His sister, Margit Silverman, and his brother-in-law, Yosi Silverman, were killed on October 7th. Maurice’s niece Shiri, her husband Yarden, and their children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas are still believed to be among the hostages. Maurice spoke up on behalf of Israel during the protest, noting that Hamas killed his family.
Since Israel began its attacks on Gaza to root out the terrorists, over 20,000 people have been reported killed leading groups calling for him to support the ceasefire.
While Ryan spoke to a full house at the Wednesday event, several people, holding signs and banners, stood outside calling for him to back a ceasefire. Inside the event as Ryan spoke, protestors jumped up from breakfast tables holding sigsn and screaming for the congressman to take a stand.
