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2024 SESSION

24101842D
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 1
Offered January 10, 2024
Prefiled January 3, 2024
Expressing support for the State of Israel and condemning the actions of Hamas.
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Patron-- Sturtevant
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to ensuring the welfare, security, and survival of the State of Israel; and

WHEREAS, Hamas was founded with the stated goal of destroying Israel and has been designated by the U.S. Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization; and

WHEREAS, in the early morning hours of October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an unprecedented, highly organized, and brutal attack upon Israel and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, during this attack, Hamas killed hundreds of innocent civilians, injured thousands, and took hundreds of Israeli children, women, elderly, and infirm civilians hostage; and

WHEREAS, numerous foreign nationals and individuals with dual citizenship were killed or taken hostage during the attack; as of December 2023, at least 33 American citizens had been killed, at least four Americans had been taken hostage and subsequently released, and several others were still missing or remained in captivity; and

WHEREAS, the timing of this terroristic operation, which coincided with the observance of the Jewish Sabbath and celebration of the Sukkot holiday, demonstrates the intent by Hamas to maximize civilian casualties; and

WHEREAS, Hamas continues to brazenly locate elements of its terrorist infrastructure in civilian population centers using civilians as human shields; and

WHEREAS, countless Virginians have sent heartfelt condolences to victims of the attacks on October 7, 2023, and have sent support to affected families and communities in Israel; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth recognizes Israel's right to protect its citizens and act decisively and unilaterally in the defense of its nation; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth supports Israel's right to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas until the terrorist organization is permanently neutralized and public safety is assured; and

WHEREAS, law-enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth are encouraged to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans and supporters of Israel from acts of crime, antisemitism, and unlawful discrimination; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia expresses support for the State of Israel and condemns the actions of Hamas; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to representatives of the Jewish community, requesting that they further disseminate copies of this resolution to their respective constituents so that they may be apprised of the sense of the Senate of Virginia in this matter.