On a day when more shocking atrocities of the weekend attack by Hamas on Israel were revealed, a number of elected officials from New Jersey affirmed their support for Israel – and offered ways to provide assistance.
Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-5th Dist.) suggested the biggest action as one of the sponsors of the bipartisan “Operation Swords of Iron” Iron Dome Supplemental Appropriations Act. The act would appropriate $2 billion for Israel’s Iron Dome defense system.
Gottheimer did not hold back in his words on why such measures were necessary.
“Radical Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists are kidnapping, torturing, raping, burning alive, and brutally murdering innocent babies, children, women, men, and grandparents in Israel — parading their bodies through the streets,” he said. “Rockets continue to rain down on Israel, and sirens blare in population centers like Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, where Israelis fear for their lives in bomb shelters. I will always stand with Israel — the democracy in the region — and support our partner’s right to defend herself from those who seek her destruction.
“The ‘Operation Swords of Iron’ Iron Dome Appropriations Act is critical to increasing American security assistance for Israel’s missile defense system, which is saving millions of innocent lives. The U.S.-Israel relationship will remain, as it has for decades, ironclad.”
Calls of support for Israel continued around the globe – and throughout New Jersey.
It is unclear how much the House can do until it names a new speaker. Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (D-11th Dist.) said the House needs to be ready. She cosponsored two pieces of bipartisan legislation reaffirming the United States’s support.
“Now is time to show the world that the House of Representatives stands with Israel in the face of these brutal terrorist attacks by Hamas,” she said. “It is crucial that support for Israel be among the first orders of business after the House majority confirms a new Speaker.”
On Tuesday, alongside Democratic and Republican military veterans in Congress, Sherrill helped introduce a resolution that condemns the acts of terrorism committed by Hamas against Israel and directs the Administration to provide support, stating that Congress:
· Declares its unwavering support for the State of Israel and stands ready to consider urgent requests for additional assistance Israel may require to defend its people and safeguard its sovereignty;
· Affirms that Israel, as a sovereign state, is entitled to act in self-defense against Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and associated forces, and their state sponsors;
· Finds the that cross-border attacks, murders, and kidnappings constitute acts of international terrorism and aggression;
· Calls on the President to provide intelligence, military, and diplomatic support to the Government of Israel in response to this terrorist attack; and
· Calls on all governments harboring Hamas personnel to immediately expel those individuals from their territory.
In New Jersey, State Sen. Jim Beach (D-6th Dist.), a member of the New Jersey Israel Commission, issued the following statement in support of Israel and the South Jersey Jewish Community:
“My heart breaks for Israel and for the Jewish community around the world,” he said. “There are no words to describe the horrific reality of the last several days as Hamas has reigned terror down on the residents of Israel, indiscriminately killing innocent civilians and taking hundreds hostage. Israel has my fullest support as they take whatever steps they deem necessary to protect their citizens. I mourn alongside the South Jersey Jewish Community for all those lost, as we also pray for the safety of friends, family and the state of Israel.”
State Senator Bob Singer (R-30th Dist.) also expressed support.
“As the representative for the largest Jewish community in the State, I find the terrorist attacks in Israel to be incredibly abhorrent,” Singer said. “The Jewish community deserves the Legislature’s unwavering support in the wake of this horrific violence.”
“My heart breaks for the families impacted by this global atrocity. It is necessary now, more than ever, for the Legislature to stand in solidarity with our Jewish communities. The Senate must reconvene in Trenton to pass our resolution and condemn Hamas for their violence against Israel.”
