State Rep. Donni Steele today expressed deep disappointment in the leadership of the Michigan House of Representatives after they decided not to bring a resolution condemning Hamas and reaffirming support for Israel before the House for a vote.

Steele, R-Orion Township, co-sponsored the bipartisan House Resolution 146 along with more than 55 other state representatives. Still, the Democrat leadership made the decision to refer it to the House Government Operations Committee, a panel widely known for shelving legislation that a majority caucus has no intention of advancing.

“I stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and the many Jewish families who call Metro Detroit their home,” Steele said. “I empathize with all the families this has affected. There should be no qualms about condemning the horrific violence we have seen unfolding in Israel. I am deeply disappointed that our leadership is not interested in adopting this resolution.

“In the face of such senseless violence and suffering, we must come together across party lines to denounce these abhorrent acts of violence against innocent families and children. Hamas must be held accountable for its actions, and we must show our support, as Americans, for the people of Israel and the principles of peace and justice.”

Hamas militants launched indiscriminate rocket attacks into civilian areas, sent infiltrators into Israeli towns and systematically executed civilians – including children and elderly – on the heels of the 50-year anniversary of the 1973 Yom Kippur War. The weekend also marked Simchat Torah in Israel, a Jewish religious observance where the yearly cycle of Torah reading is completed and the next cycle begins.

Roughly 1,200 people in Israel have been killed in the attacks. This number includes at least 22 U.S. citizens so far. Almost 300 people were massacred at a music festival in the southern part of the country where Hamas members entered by land, sea, and air from the nearby Gaza Strip. Hamas has also taken an unknown number of people hostage back across the border, including possibly U.S. citizens.

“If we can’t stand united against torture and violence toward women, children, and babies, what can we agree on?” Steele asked. “It is my hope that our leaders will recognize the urgency of this matter and act swiftly to correct their mistake. Adopting this resolution will demonstrate our shared commitment to standing against violence and in favor of peace.”

###