Publishers’ Note. I was honored to have received this letter of support from Congressman John Rose and thought I would share it with my fellow Tennesseans. With the growing concern over the rising temperature and antisemitism we are seeing today after the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023.
“Support for the People of Israel
Dear Representative Sparks,
Thank you for your recent letter regarding support for the people of Israel after they suffered a brutal and unprovoked attack by Hamas terrorists. I am glad to join with other Tennessee legislators to stand unwaveringly with Israel as they confront this violence and secure the safety of their nation.
In the early morning hours of October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a massive terrorist operation into Israeli territory. Hamas fired a barrage of rockets indiscriminately toward Israel and followed with an attack by sea, land, and air, with militants entering deep into Israeli territory to sow terror.
The scope and magnitude of Hamas’ attack were unprecedented, and many Israeli military installations and communities were targeted in quick succession. Terrorists burst into the homes of innocent Israeli civilians and murdered residents begging for their lives while kidnapping others, including women and children, to be taken back to Gaza to be used as hostages. As of October 12, the death toll from this vile attack stood at more than 1,200 Israelis and at least 27 Americans, with thousands more wounded. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also confirmed that an undetermined number of Americans have been taken hostage by Hamas.
Hamas has been strengthened by its close ties with Iran, which has provided huge quantities of military aid to Hamas in recent years. This coupled with a rise in global antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment has emboldened Hamas to carry out this crime against humanity. The attack has put Israel in a precarious geopolitical situation, as regional adversaries like Lebanon’s Hezbollah and others may view this as an opportunity to militarily escalate against Israel. During this time of unprecedented threats toward our ally Israel, I commit to utilizing my position in Congress to help ensure that America provides Israel with every resource it needs to defeat this terrorist threat.
I unequivocally condemn this barbaric attack by Hamas and stand in solidarity with our closest ally Israel and the Jewish people. I am praying for Israeli, American, and all families affected as they deal with the senseless loss of their family members caused by Hamas, and will work to ensure that these grieving families receive the care and support they deserve. We must strongly affirm Israel’s right to defend itself with a swift and overwhelming response against terrorism. Let me be clear: there is never any justification for the indiscriminate slaughter of innocent men, women, and children.
The ongoing conflict in Israel has led to numerous airlines canceling flights out of Ben Gurion Airport and suspending operations in the country, which has stranded many Tennesseans who understandably fear for their safety and wish to leave. I and my office will continue to provide assistance to any Tennessean in Israel who wishes to come home. To that end, I and many of my congressional colleges have called on the State Department to arrange charter for American citizens to ensure their safe return home in a timely manner, and it appears our efforts have begun to pay off, as the White House just announced they are now pursing such arrangements.
Now more than ever, we must boldly support Israel’s defenses with the military and diplomatic aid it requires to eliminate the Hamas threat and fend off other terrorist proxies of Iran. Israel is a beacon of democracy and a bulwark of freedom in the Middle East, and ensuring Israel’s safety and prosperity is squarely in America’s interests.
During this horrid time, I was heartened to receive so many messages of support for Israel from the people of Tennessee and from elected officials in Tennessee like you. You can count on me to amplify your message of support for Israel through the halls of Congress.
You can contact me via telephone at (202) 225-4231.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Serving as your representative in the U.S. House of Representatives is an honor and a privilege. Thank sign up for my email list at https://johnrose.house.gov/
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