Seventy Republicans in the state House and Senate signed a letter this week condemning the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel and supporting the right of Israel to defend itself against the terrorist organization based in Gaza.
GOP legislators signed onto the letter which expresses “deep sorrow over the unprovoked attacks carried out against the people of Israel. These heinous acts of murder, rape, and kidnapping committed against innocent men, women, and children demonstrate the evil depravity which fills the hearts and minds of the enemies of Israel. It is imperative to stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people. Israel has the fundamental right to defend itself and its citizens from threats and attacks. We appreciate the efforts of individuals and organizations advocating for peace and we encourage continued dialogue to promote truth and compassion among all people, regardless of background.”
The attacks instigated by Hamas earlier this month are believed to have resulted in the largest loss of Jewish life since the Holocaust. A number of Minnesotans and people with ties to the state have been killed in the conflict between the Israel Defense Forces and Hamas. Ten Americans are among the 200 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists.
The letter comes following a joint statement earlier this month by nine Jewish legislators that condemned statements by the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America on the conflict in Israel. A number of DFL legislators have been endorsed and supported by the local DSA chapters.
The statement from the Jewish legislators reads in part, “ … we are appalled at a recent statement by the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) that fails to even mention or acknowledge the heinous mass murder of Israelis at the hands of Hamas terrorists. In this moment of grief and pain in the Jewish communities across the globe, the failure to condemn this bloodshed is hurtful to our communities that have experienced so much generational trauma.”
Hank Long
Hank Long is a journalism and communications professional whose writing career includes coverage of the Minnesota legislature, city and county governments and the commercial real estate industry. Hank received his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, where he studied journalism, and his law degree at the University of St. Thomas. The Minnesota native lives in the Twin Cities with his wife and four children. His dream is to be around when the Vikings win the Super Bowl.
