LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – As the United States begins to weigh in on the attacks on Israel and its people, some in the Michigan legislature are working to condemn the attacks and stand in solidarity. 

Michigan Republican Representative Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) brought forth House Resolution 146, which condemned the attacks. 

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“I am disappointed in the decision of those in leadership to remain silent on this very issue,” said Representative Schuette. “There can be no equivocation here. Broad and watered-down statements do not suffice.  An atrocity occurred in Israel last weekend. Hamas, a terrorist organization targeted civilians, children and U.S. citizens. Hundreds are dead, hostages remain in captivity. To not speak on this issue is an abdication of our moral responsibility.” 

The resolution had more than 50 co-sponsors anYom Kippurd included six Democrats, but was referred to the Committee on Government Operations, rather than considered on the floor for a vote. 

“Our body needs to speak clearly that this violence abhorrent, barbaric – and that we stand with our nation’s strongest ally in the Middle East: the State of Israel,” said Rep. Schuette, “Hamas’ brutal acts of terror perpetrated against Israeli civilians, U.S. citizens and foreign nationals were abhorrent, intolerable and should be condemned in the strongest of terms. I am utterly heartbroken to see innocent lives lost and so many people suffering.”

Representative Graham Filler (R-St Johns) shared his thoughts regarding the terrorist attacks by Hamas, targeting Israeli military and civilians, including women and children. 

“I strongly condemn the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel,” Rep. Filler said. “I find the acts of violence appalling and horrific. My heart is broken to see innocent families suffering. The fact that terrorists have sought to capture and harm civilians is simply unacceptable. It goes against everything we stand for as a society that values peace, human rights, and the dignity of all people.”

Filler went on to express the strong relationship between the country and the United States. 

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“Israel is a great ally to America. We share a strong bond that goes beyond politics. It’s a relationship built on common values and shared goals. In Michigan, our Jewish friends and neighbors have made remarkable contributions. They’re an integral part of our community, and I value their presence.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer offered some of her thoughts over the weekend. 

“I have been in touch with communities impacted by what’s happening in the region,” Gov. Whitmer said on social media, “It is abhorrent. My heart is with all those impacted. We need peace in this region.” 

Later, she added clarification for the ‘region’ in which she was referring. 

“The images that continue to come out of Israel on the anniversary of the Yom Kippur War are devastating,” Gov. Whitmer said on social media. “The loss of lives in Israel –children and families – is absolutely heartbreaking and appalling. There is no justification for violence against Israel. My support is steadfast.”

House Resolution 146, primarily serves to “condemn the abhorrent violence perpetrated by Hamas in October 2023, call for the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and support Israel’s right to self-defense.” 

The resolution also recognizes the many Jewish people that reside in the state. 

“Michigan has had a significant Jewish population since the turn of the 20th century, with over 85,000 Jews residing in the state today, largely concentrated in Metro Detroit,” it read. “Around 2,500 Israelis call Michigan home. Both private organizations and the state have encouraged Israeli businesses to invest in Michigan, and Michigan’s universities have received millions of dollars in grants from bilateral U.S. – Israeli programs to fund agricultural and scientific research.” 

The attack took place just following the 50 year anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and also a major religious observance, Simchat Torah, took place the same weekend.