CALIFORNIA LEADERS VOICE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL

By Miriam Raftery

California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, and the California Senate Republican Caucus have both issued statements supporting Israel in the wake of the deadly Hamas attacks and Israel’s declaration of war on Hamas. The statements voice a rare example of unity in standing behind America’s ally.

“California stands with Israel. What we are witnessing is nothing short of horrific. Women, children — innocent people — being targeted with brutal acts of terrorism by Hamas. All on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War,” Governor Newsom posted on X (formerly Twitter) on October 8.

He continued, “There is simply no justification for this. I stand with Israel and its people in denouncing this horrific act of terrorism. We must demand an end to this violence — now.”

Two days later, the California Senate Republican Caucus issued this statement strongly denouncing the attack as "barbaric."

“Over the weekend, on the major Jewish holiday Simchat Torah and the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, killing over 900 people and taking at least 130 civilians hostage, including women, children, elderly, and young people at a music festival. Media outlets are reporting that Americans have been abducted and killed. The images and videos of Hamas’s barbaric attack are shocking and sickening—videos of Jewish children in cages, bodies desecrated in the street, live streams of innocent civilians being murdered,” the GOP legislators stated.

"Not since the Holocaust has this large a number of Jews been killed in a single day. There is no justification for this appalling violence. Our hearts go out to those under fire, harmed, kidnapped, and murdered by terrorists. We are praying for peace and security,” the Senate Republicans added. "Israel has every right to defend itself and must secure the region by all means necessary. Hamas must be defeated and pay for their war crimes. We stand with Israel. California stands with Israel. America stands with Israel.”

Senator Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-Santee) forwarded th statemen to constistuents, adding,"Not since the Holocaust has this large a number of Jews been killed in a single day. There is no justification for this appalling violence. My heart goes out to those under fire, harmed, kidnapped, and murdered by terrorists. I am praying for peace and security.  As the Senator for California’s 40^th District, I represent many Jewish communities that are hurting right now. I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you in solidarity."

Califiornia House Speaker Robert Rivas, a Democrat, posted on X ,"I stand with @CAJewishCaucus in condemning the brutal attack on Israel. Nothing justifies the killing of innocent civilians or the violence we see today. I hope all American leaders will speak out against these horrific attacks and work to restore peace and security."

 Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Encino), Senator Scott Wiener (D - San Francisco), and Senator Josh Becker (D - Menlo Park), released the following statement on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus:

“We are heartbroken and horrified by the devastating terrorist attacks against Israel. We have visited the Israeli communities that have been ravaged by indiscriminate killings and kidnappings and many of us have friends and family in Israel who are huddled in bomb shelters with their children amid ongoing rocket attacks. Nothing can justify this brutal and grotesque violence.

Israel has the right and responsibility to defend its civilians, and we are grateful to the many American leaders – including President Biden, Vice President Harris, Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler and Members of Congress from California – who have spoken out clearly and unequivocally in support of Israel at this difficult moment.

We are praying for the safe return of hostages, for healing and comfort for the thousands who have been wounded or have lost loved ones, and for peace and security. We stand with Israel.”

Aisha Washab, a Muslim state legislator and Afghan refugee, posted, "#Afghanistan to #Ukraine to #Israel, we are #united against violence & the loss of innocent lives. Thousands are impacted by terror, war, and disaster. I stand against hate, discrimination and bloodshed. #Justice & #peace must prevail." She reposted a statement by the  California Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, which says the organization “unequivocably condems the recent Hamas attack on Israel and stands in unwavering solidarity with the nation of Israel during this challenging time.”

The AAPILC statement concludes, “The AAPILC denounces any act that threatens the safety and well-being of innocent civilians regardless of nationality, religion, or ethnicity and extends its heartfelt thoughts and support to the people of Israel during these trying times. The AAPILC will continue to work alongside California’s Diversity Caucus to raise awareness to the current conflict, and remains committed to promoting understanding and cooperation among all communities involved.”