LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – House Republicans gathered on the Michigan Capitol steps on Wednesday to demand that house leadership consider its resolution condemning the attacks on Israel. 

“Bring forward our resolution that 1) condemns the brutal acts of terror committed by Hamas, 2) Calls for the release of those in hostage, and 3) Reaffirms our state’s support for Israel,” Representative Bill Schuette (R-Midland) added, “Frankly, it’s awful we even have to make this request, it should not be controversial or complicated to condemn what we witnessed in Israel last week.” 

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Last week, Rep. Schuette introduced House Resolution 146 that was sidelined to a committee for consideration rather than put up to a house vote. 

“There is no excuse for this type or barbaric activity, there is no explaining or rationalizing those brutal acts of terror,” he said. “When we see such horrific violence, it is incumbent upon our state government to lead not to wobble, to clearly condemn wrong when we see it, not to equivocate.” 

The former Intelligence Officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) also called upon the Speaker of the House, Joe Tate, with a unified voice from the House Republicans on the steps, “Do the right thing, stand with Israel, and stand against terrorism.” 

Representative Donni Steele (R-Orion) also spoke on behalf of the Jewish people living in her community and for mothers around the world. 

“I watched in horror as my fellow women, my fellow mothers, were gunned down trying to protect their children,” she later added. “I cannot fathom the fear or pain of hearing the alarms of militarized combatants that are rushing into their city; can you imagine if that was happening in our city?” 

She also shared how weighed down she had been from the many videos of people attacked and killed in their homes. 

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“The one thing mothers across the world have in common, from Michigan to Israel, is the never ending commitment to keep our kids safe,” Rep. Steele added. “Hamas in addition to killing more than 1,400 people, kidnapping 200 others, stripped every Israeli mother of the one most basic human right and instinct and that is the ability to keep and protect our children safe in our homes.” 

Representative Graham Filler (R-St Johns) shared a personal story about his Jewish father and how he grew up close with many siblings who are Jewish, advocating that those who ask who speak for the Jewish people are asking the wrong question. 

“What we’re doing today and for the past couple weeks is condemning evil, and condemning terrorism and a terrorist organization, which I don’t think is a big stretch for this body,” Rep. Filler said. “I remember standing when Russia invaded Ukraine  and we stood and we said we stand against unprompted war against independent countries.” 

After the attacks, Governor Gretchen Whitmer shared her support, adding that “we need peace in this region.” 

“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.”

Recently, almost 900 University of Michigan faculty and staff signed a letter condemning university President Santa Ono’s statement on the Israel-Hamas war, criticizing the lack of mention of Palestine. 

“There is no mention of Palestine or Palestinians in President Ono’s statement,” the letter said. “Such an absence suggests that only Israelis have been wounded, traumatized, or killed in the ongoing violence.” 

UM President Ono’s statement expressed support for Israeli universities and called for unity. 

“Together, we can support our entire community through acts of unity and community and a renewed commitment to working together toward a common goal — making the world we live in a better place for all,” Ono wrote last week. 

Currently, the resolution, which had more than 50 co-sponsors and bipartisan support, still remains in the Committee on Government Operations for further consideration.