ACTION ALERT
Thank our elected officials for standing by Israel during the brutal and barbaric attacks by Hamas from Gaza (and ancillary rocket attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon) and asking them to continue their support both politically and financially as events evolve. Send emails to our senators and house representatives. Their email contact information is available here. Copy your email or directly address your email to the Chief of Staff and the Foreign Policy (or Military) legislative aides noted on the link.
This need only be short and sweet to the effect of “Thank you for speaking out with your strong support for Israel’s actions in self-defense and rooting out the terrorist activities of Hamas.”
Background
The joy of Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah has been severely tempered by the acts of Hamas invading Israel and slaughtering over 600 (as of this writing) Israelis, wounding many more, and taking many hostages.
These types of barbaric actions against civilians of Israel as an organized attack into undisputed Israeli territory require our careful attention and vigorous assertions of Israel’s right to defend itself going forward, and vigorous support of Israel’s actions by the government of the United States – the closest friend and ally of Israel. The Biden administration has voiced its full-throated support for Israel’s right to defend itself and against the US and European-designated terrorist organization, Hamas.
For the next 2-4 weeks Israel likely will be attacking Hamas in Gaza in various ways. The European Union, and the UN envoy to the Middle East have also condemned Hamas’ actions. The US Congress and Administration need to stand steadfast with Israel, as Israel takes on Hamas directly.
Though Israel will attempt to do surgical targeting of military installations, they will take actions that undoubtedly will have corollary harm or death to noncombatants as an unfortunate side effect of war, and there will be concurrent unavoidable destruction of infrastructure. Hamas’ actions are targeted directly against the Israeli citizen population. They do not target only military units. They do not (unlike Israel) give warning to civilians to evacuate an area before they attack it. They position their administrative offices, bomb-making workshops, and rocket-launching devices in highly populated areas in Gaza, hiding behind their own civilians in apartments, schools, and hospitals, as acts of cowardice and against international law.
As we know, though, there will be voices that will be asking the Administration and Congress to “temper” Israel’s actions, or for Israel to be more balanced – with Hamas playing up a need for sympathy from western nations and NGOs. Hamas is well-known for doctoring photos in this begging for the world’s sympathy.
What to do right now?
It is important for us to thank those Members of Congress who are standing with Israel and to encourage them to continue to stand with Israel even after these initial defensive actions turn into offensive ones to neutralize and neuter Hamas’ military capabilities going forward. Israel will need our ongoing support morally, politically, and perhaps eventually financially. But for now – thank the four of our five federal congressional members for their initial words on the conflict.
Here’s what our New Mexico elected officials have said so far:
Senator Ben Ray Lujan was one of the first to express his support for Israel on X:
“I strongly condemn this appalling terrorist attack by Hamas against the people of Israel. This senseless loss of life is tragic and heartbreaking. This despicable attack must be denounced by all and I stand with the people of Israel as it defends itself”
Senator Martin Heinrich said on X:
”I join President Biden and my Senate colleagues in unequivocally condemning the appalling attacks by Hamas terrorists. The U.S. stands with the Israeli people and Israel’s right to defend against this horrific violence. My thoughts are with the grieving families and the wounded.”
Santa Fe’s congresswoman, Terese Leger-Fernandez tweeted on X:
“The terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli civilians are incredibly disturbing. I strongly condemn Hamas’ actions. Israel has a right to defend itself against these acts of terror and my thoughts are with the Israeli people.”
Representative Gabe Vasquez (district 2 member of the House – southern part of NM including Las Cruces) said on X:
”I stand with Israel and condemn these horrifying attacks on innocent lives. Our support for Israel must be unwavering. My heart goes out to the people of Israel. You, your family, and your loved ones are in our prayers.”
We’ve searched without success for any comment from district 1 (mostly ABQ) House Rep. Melanie Stansbury.