A house RESOLUTION

TO SHOW ITS UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL'S DEFENSE OF ITS TERRITORY AND CITIZENS AND TO CONDEMN THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY HAMAS AGAINST ISRAEL.

Whereas, on October 7, 2023, Hamas, an entity designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, launched a vicious and unprovoked attack against Israel, which resulted in the murder of over 1,200 innocent lives, including approximately 250 individuals kidnapped and held hostage. Countless lives forever changed as a result of this heinous attack; and

Whereas, since October 7, Israel has worked ceaselessly to defend its citizens, return hostages to their families, and secure and protect its sovereign territory against Hamas aggression; and

Whereas, Israel and the United States have a strong history of support for one another, beginning in 1948 when the United States was the first country to recognize Israeli statehood, and these countries' ties continue today, through activities such as joint military training exercises and close collaboration on security threats, and economic partnerships, including annual bilateral trade of nearly $50 billion in goods and services; and

Whereas, South Carolina's strong history of alliance with the Jewish community began in the 1700s, and Charleston is home to the Kahal Kadosh Beth Elohim, the second oldest synagogue building and the oldest in continuous use in the United States, and that alliance continued with Israel's statehood; and

Whereas, South Carolina has stood in solidarity with Israel since October 7, 2023, and will continue to stand with Israel as it fights against those who initiated merciless attacks against this sovereign nation and its citizens. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, show their unwavering support for Israel's defense of its territory and citizens and condemns the actions taken by Hamas against Israel.

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