United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand condemns Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attack against Israel and kidnapping of hostages

     Thank you for writing to me about Hamas’ unprovoked terrorist attack against Israel and kidnapping of hostages. I fully condemn Hamas’ violent activity, reaffirm Israel’s right to protect itself, support the swift passage of President Biden’s emergency supplemental request for Israel’s security, and urge all parties to prioritize human rights and the safety of innocent civilians, especially children.

     As a Senator from New York and member of the Senate Armed Services and Select Intelligence Committees, the safety and security of Israel is one of my foremost foreign policy priorities. Since this conflict began, I have consistently engaged with high ranking American and Israeli officials and my colleagues to ensure that Israel has the resources it needs to protect itself and its citizens. I called on the Biden Administration to transfer Iron Dome batteries to Israel, stand ready to quickly assist with Israeli requests for Iron Dome interceptors and other defense articles, coordinate with Egypt and Israel to provide humanitarian aid to Gazans, coordinate transportation out of Israel for American citizenswho wanted to return to the U.S., and delivered floor speeches encouraging the Administration to prioritize hostage recovery. I also cosponsored a resolution condemning Hamas and reaffirmingIsrael’s right to self-defense and the United States’ commitment to Israel’s security. Throughout the conflict, my office has worked directly with family members of those taken hostage or those having difficulty finding transportation out of Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank. If you or a loved one are experiencing a similar situation, please visit my website and click “Help,” where you will see information for American citizens in Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank, or email casework@gillibrand.senate.gov. 

     I also vehemently condemn any and all forms of antisemitism and hate. We have already seen elevated rates of antisemitic and Islamophobic hate crimes since the conflict began. That is why I recently sent a letter to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees calling for $500 million for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in the final appropriations bill and called on the Administration to provide increased funding for the program in any supplemental appropriations bills. I advocate annually for this program, which provides grants to nonprofit institutions and houses of worship to enhance their security. I have also called on the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation to continue to prioritize the safety and security of individuals and organizations vulnerable to violence, especially antisemitic violence, as this conflict evolves.

     I will continue to work with both sides of the aisle, the Biden Administration, and our Jewish community in New York and across the nation to promote Israel’s security and sovereignty.

Thank you again for writing to me about protecting Israel and rescuing hostages held in Gaza. I hope that you keep in touch with my office. For more information on my efforts, please visit my website at http://gillibrand.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Kirsten Gillibrand
United States Senator