Whereas, Hamas was founded with the stated goal of destroying the Jewish State of Israel, and the United States has designated Hamas as a Foreign Terrorist Organization; and
Whereas, Hamas launched a brutal, unprovoked and highly organized attack on Israel and its citizens on October 7, 2023, during the Jewish holy day of Simchat Torah; and
Whereas, in its attack, Hamas killed more than 1,200 innocent civilians and took hundreds of Israeli, United States and foreign national children, women, elderly individuals and infirm civilians hostage; and
Whereas, in its attack, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets against Israeli population centers in an attempt to kill untold numbers of innocent civilians; and
Whereas, the level of logistical sophistication demonstrated in this Hamas terrorism operation indicates its receipt of support and funding from foreign state sponsors of terror, namely Iran; and
Whereas, Hamas continues to brazenly locate elements of its terrorist infrastructure in civilian population centers using civilians as human shields; and
Whereas, the State of Arizona and Israel share spiritual, economic and social ties and values that bind our societies together. Since 1948, the two countries have enjoyed a cordial and mutually beneficial relationship, which grows stronger with each passing year, and Arizona has established a trade office in Israel; and
Whereas, the State of Arizona stands with Israel’s right to defend itself and rescue those who have been captured, kidnapped, or are missing; and
Whereas, the State of Arizona stands with the Israeli people in this time of pain and suffering and mourns for those who have needlessly lost their lives and for those who have lost loved ones; and
Whereas, the State of Arizona condemns all acts of terrorism, which are broadly defined and classified as class 2 felonies under Arizona law; and
Whereas, Jewish communities, including those in Arizona, are facing staggering rises in antisemitism, as defined by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance and adopted by the State of Arizona and the United States Department of State, including the contemporary examples of antisemitism.
Therefore
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona, the Senate concurring:
1. That the Members of the Legislature reaffirm their support and unwavering commitment to the welfare, security and survival of the Jewish State of Israel.
2. That the Members of the Legislature recognize Israel’s right to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense to protect its citizens.
3. That the Members of the Legislature express their support for Israel’s right to pursue without interference or condemnation the elimination of Hamas.
4. That the Members of the Legislature convey their most heartfelt condolences to all Israeli victims as well as their families and communities.
5. That the Members of the Legislature support Arizona’s law enforcement community in its efforts to remain vigilant in protecting Israeli Americans, Jewish Americans and all supporters of Israel from acts of crime and unlawful discrimination that tend to manifest in times of turmoil.
6. That the Members of the Legislature support Arizona’s officials in the Executive Branch in holding fully accountable any individuals who engage in any acts of terrorism supporting Hamas as prohibited by Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-2308.01 and other state laws.
7. That the Members of the Legislature encourage all other Americans to likewise condemn Hamas, as well as any official body that refuses to recognize Israel’s right to act decisively in self-defense to protect its citizens.
8. That the Members of the Legislature support the United States in providing all assistance as may be required to support Israel in its defense against Hamas and all other terrorist organizations.
