HARRISBURG, Pa. — Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined the Pennsylvania Jewish Legislative Caucus to stand against terror and in support of the people of Israel on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
At the conference, Shapiro issued a proclamation in support of the Pennsylvania Jewish community and allies who stand against hate, terror and violence.
On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the Pa. Senate adopted Resolution 191 and Resolution 185 condemning the unprovoked terrorist attack launched by Hamas against the State of Isreal on Oct. 7. The Pennsylvania House also adopted Resolution 245, urging the U.S. Congress to provide the State of Isreal with the support necessary to ensure its safety and security while condemning the terrorist attack in Isreal by Hamas.
“I’m proud to join the Jewish Legislative Caucus, and this bipartisan group of legislators here today, to show that even in these polarized times, Pennsylvania’s elected leaders are united in supporting Israel and standing against terror,” said Gov. Shapiro.
“In the face of these gruesome images on our screens and promises of more horror to come, I’ve talked to many across our Commonwealth who feel helpless, angry, and sad. Together, we mourn the loss of innocent life. Know that we, as your elected leaders, have heard you," he continued.
The governor and lieutenant governor stood with Pennsylvania's first-ever Jewish Legislative Caucus, including founders and co-chairs Rep. Dan Frankel and Sen. Judy Schwank.
“Today, Jewish people in Israel are defending themselves as Jews could not 75 years ago. They are fighting Hamas, a terrorist organization that aims to eradicate Jews, and they are fighting to rescue 200 hostages, held in unknown conditions for 11 days now,” said Rep. Dan Frankel. “I am proud that this Commonwealth stands with Israel as it fights a war that it did not seek or want.”
"I'm proud that my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans from all over the commonwealth, voted to support the resolutions to condemn the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Simply put, the brutal acts of violence committed by Hamas have no place anywhere in the world today,” said Sen. Judy Schwank. “Their intention was not only to obliterate Israel but to strike fear in the hearts of Israelis and Jews all over the world, but they have not succeeded."
“It was heartening to see the Pennsylvania House and Senate come together, across political lines, to offer their unanimous support for resolutions condemning the attacks by Hamas," Lt. Gov. Davis said at the press conference.