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November 15, 2023
Three Members of the Utah House Democrats Vote Against H.R. 901 House Resolution Supporting the State of Israel
Today we were asked to vote on H.R. 901 House Resolution Supporting the State of Israel. We want to be clear, we condemn Hamas’ attack on Israel, but the resolution falls short by not acknowledging the significant impact the conflict has had on innocent Palestinian lives. With over 10,000 Palestinian lives lost, including 4,000 children lost in reprisals against Hamas and over 1.5 million people displaced in Gaza, we have trouble supporting a resolution that doesn’t explicitly recognize the plight of Palestinians.
Recognizing the conflict in Israel and Palestine as a complex and longstanding issue with political, historical, and cultural dimensions, we acknowledge the immense human suffering, displacement, and loss of life on both sides. Our hearts go out to the families anxiously awaiting news about their loved ones. We believe in the fundamental right of everyone to live in safety, peace, and have a secure home. The alarming displacement of innocent people and children, coupled with a lack of basic resources is a grave concern. Our hope and prayer remain for peace, emphasizing human rights above all, even in times of conflict.
We are also troubled by the fact that the resolution does not explicitly condemn what our Muslim and Jewish friends and neighbors in our community are facing, as a result of the conflict in the Middle East. There is a concerning rise in antisemitism and islamophobia in Utah. We strongly denounce the hate and intolerance within our community. The freedom to practice one’s religion is a fundamental First Amendment right, and community members should be able to do so without the fear of bomb threats or being unjustly labeled as terrorists. As we engage in discussions about this conflict, the safety of our neighbors must be our foremost priority.
We are committed to actively supporting and amplifying the voices of communities in our state affected by the conflict in Israel and Palestine. Our support extends to both the Jewish and Muslim communities, and we stand in solidarity with them.
Angela Romero, Utah House Minority Leader; Sandra Hollins, Utah House Minority Assistant Whip; Ashlee Matthews, Utah House of Representatives
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