Massachusetts Senate Passes Resolution In Support of Israel

Resolution S. 2462, sponsored by Majority Leader Cynthia Stone Creem, passed in the Massachusetts Senate earlier this week with 33 co-sponsors and no opposition on the floor.

“The Resolution calls on the United States government to continue to stand with the People of Israel in their time of need, support the victims of the recent terrorist attack against the State of Israel and work towards the safe return of those who have been kidnapped.

“Whereas, on October 7, 2023, the terrorist group known as Hamas assaulted and attacked the state of Israel, committed barbaric acts of terror and brought immense suffering to the innocent civilians of Israel and the region; and

“Whereas, the Israeli people have an inalienable right to defend themselves against acts of terrorism; and

“Whereas, the commonwealth mourns the thousands of innocent victims who have lost their lives or been injured by the terrorist attack against Israel, including women, children and babies, and prays for the many innocent civilians that have been kidnapped and are being held hostage; and

“Whereas, the Commonwealth has continuously demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting innocent victims of violence and calls for a safe return of the Israelis, Americans and other nationals who have recently been kidnapped and are being held hostage; and

“Whereas, the Commonwealth must strongly condemn recent terrorist actions by Hamas in Israel while standing in solidarity with the Jewish community in Israel, the Commonwealth and around the world; and

“Whereas, the recent, sharp rise in anti-semitism, expressed openly and violently, reinforces the need for our collective, continued efforts to stand against hatred and bigotry in the Commonwealth and abroad;

“Now therefore be it resolved, that the Massachusetts Senate hereby calls on the United States government to continue to stand with the People of Israel in their time of need, support the victims of the recent terrorist attack against the state of Israel and work towards the safe return of those who have been kidnapped;

“And be it further resolved, that a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the clerk of the Senate to the Congress of the United States and the President of the United States, Joseph R. Biden, Jr.”

NAJL Condems Hamas Terrorist Attack in Strongest of Terms

“Reminiscent of the attacks during the Yom Kippur War fifty years ago to the day, we are heartsick to awaken to Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel on yet another Jewish holy day. The deliberate targeting of civilians for indiscriminate murder, abduction, and hostage-taking is one of the most heinous acts of terrorism in Israel’s history. We stand with Israel in its defense against this invasion and we pray that Israel finds the fortitude to endure the coming days as the tragic toll mounts and the terror continues,” expressed NAJL Co-President and Washington State Representative Tana Senn.

NAJL Applauds First-Ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism

The National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL) applauds the first-ever national strategy to counter antisemitism, which was rolled out from the White House today. Its multi-tiered, comprehensive plan involves over 100 new actions for Executive Branch agencies to take, as well as commitments from colleges and universities, religious and multi-faith communities, the private sector and nonprofits to work in solidarity to combat antisemitism.

“A national approach to fight antisemitism coming directly from the White House is incredibly meaningful and powerful. When NAJL's members get together to discuss policy and challenges, sadly, antisemitism is the most common issue we face,” said Washington State Representative Tana Senn, co-President of NAJL. “Jewish state legislators stand ready to help actualize and reinforce the White House’s strategies across the country.”

"By raising awareness, building cross-community solidarity and reversing what has sadly become the "normalization" of antisemitism, we will strengthen our democracy, expose conspiracy theories and help reduce the growing number of hate crimes across our country,” continued Senn.

“Special thanks to Second Gentleman Emhoff who has helped lead this effort for the Biden Administration. Representation matters,” said Senn.

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NAJL is an association of over 240 Jewish state legislators from across the country and across the political spectrum. NAJL promotes Jewish values, shares ideas and challenges, and provides a network for interstate action. NAJL also develops model policies and brings Jewish legislators together at meetings and other events.

President Biden Pens Op-ed Condemning AntiSemitism

In a likely first-ever action by a sitting US President, President Joe Biden authored an op-ed condemning antisemitism and its recent rise.

“Rest assured that I am committed to the safety of the Jewish people. I stand with you. America stands with you. Under my presidency, we continue to condemn antisemitism at every turn. Failure to call out hate is complicity. Silence is complicity. And we will not be silent.”

Thank you Mr. President!

https://www.cnn.com/2023/04/05/opinions/joe-biden-fighting-antisemitism-speaking-out-passover/index.html

Antisemitism must be rejected by candidates, companies, influencers

With the troubling rise of antisemitism across our country, numerous groups and leaders are pushing back. Here are a few stories, op-eds and editorials you may have missed. [Have an article you wish to share? Email me.]

White House Holds First Ever Jewish New Year Celebration

At a moving celebration at the White House, President Biden, Dr Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff greeted the couple hundred attendees with words of repentance, tikkun olam and well wishes for Florida. President Biden also noted that the rally in Charlottesville, NC where angry protestors shouted, “Jews will not replace us” was the pivotal moment that brought him into the Presidential race.

As special guest Itzhak Perlman began to play, the crowd, from across the country and including a dozen NAJL members, spontaneously broke out into singing along with the Avinu Malkeinu. What a magical moment at the first Jewish New Year celebration at the White House!