November 16, 2023

 

To:       Joseph R. Biden, Jr., President of the United States

            Kamala D. Harris, Vice President of the United States

            J. Michael Johnson, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives

            Steven J. Scalise, Majority Leader, United States House of Representatives

            Hakeem S. Jeffries, Minority Leader, United States House of Representatives

            Charles E. Schumer, Majority Leader, United States Senate

            A. Mitchell McConnell III, Minority Leader, United States Senate

            Members of Congress

 

We, the undersigned state legislators, support the bipartisan, bicameral commitment of the United States government to stand with the State of Israel as she defends her people and her borders in response to despicable acts of terror. We unequivocally condemn Hamas, a United States designated terrorist organization, and its brutal, barbaric assault on Israel on October 7, 2023. We mourn the tragic loss of life on that day and the days that have followed. We urge your continued efforts to secure the safe rescue of the more than 200 hostages held by Hamas and ensure safe passage for Americans out of Gaza through Egypt.

 

In no uncertain terms, we denounce antisemitism, Islamophobia, and all forms of hatred and bigotry, which have increased amid the bloodshed of war commenced by Hamas. We are deeply concerned about the stark rise in antisemitism, expressed openly and violently around the world, across our nation, and in our communities, including on our college campuses. As your partners in combating this hatred, we hereby commit our continued efforts to address hate crimes and ensure that future generations learn about the atrocities of the Holocaust, past and present manifestations of antisemitism, the history of the Middle East and American relationships in the region, and the important contributions of Jewish people to our society. We hope such efforts will both expose and reduce anti-Jewish prejudice and extremism.

 

Thank you for your continued dedication to a strong partnership between the United States and Israel.