Friends,
Like so many across the country and world, I have spent the past 11 days heartbroken. Like many Jewish Americans, I have close friends and family who live in Israel, and I share in the pain and anger so many of us are feeling.
The horrors we have watched unfold are unspeakable. And yet, there is so much to say. I couldn’t possibly capture it all in one email, but I wanted to share some of my thoughts with you directly:
I unequivocally condemn Hamas’ horrific, inexcusable attacks. Israel has a right to defend itself, and the United States stands ready to offer our support.
I’m also the Founder and Chair of the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus in Congress, and have spent much of my career trying to make sure that we are minimizing civilian harm in conflict areas. I believe that we are strongest when we lead with our values and that protecting innocent lives is both the right thing to do, and important for the long-term safety and security of Israel.
I feel grateful that I have gotten to spend so much time in the region, most recently this past April, when I joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ Congressional delegation that traveled to Israel to mark the nation’s 75th anniversary. Growing up, I’d spend every other summer there, and the other summers my cousins from Israel would stay with us in San Diego. As a teenager I spent time in Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city, and in the neighboring Bedouin and Israeli-Arab communities. I’ve even visited Gaza. The region is incredibly special, and it’s incredibly special to me.
My heart is with all those grieving loved ones. And I am outraged by the violence against Jews and Muslims we are seeing in the United States and around the world — the reports of swastikas spray-painted outside classrooms, of bomb threats at our synagogues and mosques, the murder of a 6-year-old boy in Illinois, and more.
My immediate attention is on making sure we save as many lives as possible — recovering the Israeli and American hostages and protecting civilian lives in Israel and Gaza.
If you’d like to share your thoughts, I’d invite you to respond to this email.
Finally, I want to make sure you know that the State Department is providing resources for Americans impacted by the emergency situation in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank. If you or any of your loved ones need to reach the Embassy in Israel, you can call +1 (833) 890-9595 or +1 (606) 641-0131. You can also click here for the latest updates from the embassy and additional resources. And if you or someone you know needs to evacuate Israel or Gaza, fill out this form here for updates from the State Department.
Thank you for reading.
With heartbreak and hope,
Sara
