After turmoil in the Middle East divided some New Yorkers this morning — pro-Israel elected officials rallying on the City Hall steps, pro-Palestine protestors shouting from beyond the gates — Mayor Bill de Blasio said it was “absolutely” appropriate for local officials to voice support for Israel.

“Absolutely. I am a mayor of the city on the Earth with the largest Jewish population of anywhere on this Earth,” Mr. de Blasio told the Observer.

Protesters outside the City Hall gates chanted “shame on the City Council,” among other things, during and after a press conference hosted in part by the Jewish Caucus of the New York City Council.