Bill Text: VA HR9 | 2024 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Israel; expresses support for the State and condemns the actions of Hamas.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2024-02-13 - Left in Rules [HR9 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2024-HR9-Prefiled.html
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 and harmed hundreds of innocent civilians and took hundreds of Israeli children, women, elderly, and infirm civilians hostage; and
WHEREAS, dozens of American citizens were killed or taken hostage; 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 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 House of Delegates expresses support for the State of Israel and condemns the actions of Hamas; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates 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 House of Delegates in this matter.
