In a statement issued Monday morning, Oct. 9, the Baltimore Jewish Council, an agency of The Associated: Jewish Federation of Baltimore, thanked Maryland’s elected leaders from all political parties for their support of Israel since the Hamas attack and invasion over the weekend.
“We stand in firm support of Israel as it defends itself against this terrorist assault and provides security for its citizens, and we are grateful for the strong commitments to Israel made by our national, state, and local leadership,” the BJC stated. “We also appreciate our law enforcement partners who have stepped up their monitoring and protection of our institutions and communities.
“We pray for the recovery of the wounded and the swift return of those kidnapped by Hamas. We mourn those who lost their lives during these attacks. May their memories be for a blessing.”
Here are statements issued by state leaders about the Middle East crisis:
Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Maryland)
“I condemn the brazen and ongoing terrorist attack that has killed innocent Israeli citizens across southern Israel today. I mourn those lost and my heart goes out to their families. May their memory be for a blessing.
“Just as the United States stood by Israel after it was attacked exactly 50 years ago on Yom Kippur, today we stand by Israel in this time of crisis. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I am committed to ensuring that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and its citizens, today and every day.”
Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Maryland)
“I unequivocally condemn the abhorrent attacks against innocent civilians launched by Hamas and other terrorist groups and stand in strong solidarity with the people of Israel as they defend themselves. There is never any justification for terrorism.”
Gov. Wes Moore
“The terrorist attacks we are seeing in Israel — including against innocent women and children — are truly awful. There’s no place for this, and the violence must end. Maryland stands with Israel during this dark time, and my heart goes out to the victims and their families.”
Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st District)
“The United States will always stand with Israel.”
Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-2nd District)
“I am appalled by the cowardly and brutal attack on Israel at the hands of Hamas militants … Israel is our friend and ally and I unequivocally support its right to defend itself. I join President Biden in his pledge to provide all appropriate means of support to the Israeli government and its citizens.”
Rep. John Sarbanes (D-3rd District)
“I strongly condemn –- as all should condemn in unequivocal terms –- today’s coordinated terrorist attack on Israel. We mourn the innocent civilians killed in this horrifying violence and stand resolute in our commitment to ensuring Israel’s security during this moment of crisis.”
Rep. Glenn F. Ivey (D-4th District)
“Today’s horrific attack by Hamas against Israel is an act of terrorism against civilians, military personnel, and an ally of the United States. I condemn in no uncertain terms the violence visited upon the people of Israel from Gaza in the form of rocket attacks, infiltrations and hostage taking.”
Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-5th District)
“I condemn this heinous, terror attack in the strongest possible terms. No society can live under a constant threat of violence and murder. Israel has the unequivocal right to defend itself. That includes taking all necessary action to rescue its hostages, destroy the enemy’s capability to launch rockets at civilian communities, and defeat terrorist forces wherever they may be found. I full heartedly support these necessary measures, however long they may take to pursue.
“Jews must have the absolute right to live safely and securely in their ancestral homeland. In this terrifying hour, I stand with them, and I stand with Israel as our ally does whatever it takes to protect the Israeli people and their security and sovereignty.”
Rep. David Trone (D-6th District)
“I fully condemn the horrific attacks against Israel by Hamas, which have killed and wounded significant numbers of innocent civilians — including children. In the face of these egregious acts of terror, America will always stand by Israel and its right to defend itself.”
Rep. Kweisi Mfume (D-7th District)
“I strongly condemn the recent attacks on Israel and innocent victims by Hamas terrorists. The loss of innocent life can never be justified. Israel has every right to exist and defend itself. Terrorism can never be justified.”
Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-8th District)
“Horrified and outraged by the bloody Hamas rocket fire and terror attack on Israel, with more than 40 people dead and hundreds wounded. America must stand strong with the people of Israel against this vicious terrorism.”
The Associated has initiated an emergency campaign to support and aid its partners in Israel, including those in Ashkelon who have been gravely impacted. One-hundred percent of funds raised will be immediately transferred to provide lifesaving humanitarian aid, trauma relief and other emerging For invoration, visit payments.associated.org/IsraelAttacked.
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