State and national business leaders, congressional delegation condemn attack on Israel

The Arizona and national business community expressed solidarity with Israel following Saturday’s horrific attack on the country by Hamas terrorists.

Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry President and CEO Danny Seiden

“Arizona stands with Israel. The members of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry condemn without equivocation this horrific terrorist attack.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to represent Arizona in official delegations to Israel, where our state has made clear its solidarity with and support for the Israeli people. We reiterate our belief in Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself.”

The Arizona Chamber has been a leader in promoting stronger ties between Arizona and Israel. Highlights include:

• March 2022: Seiden hosted a conversation with Dr. Hillel Newman, the Israeli Consul General in Los Angeles, at an event hosted by the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations. During his remarks, Newman called Arizona “a special friend of Israel.”

• June 2022: On behalf of the Chamber, Seiden inked a memorandum of understanding with the Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce to collaborate to “strengthen trade, technological and industrial cooperation.”

• The FICC represents more than 5,000 businesses that operate in 120 different sectors. The Federation is an umbrella organization for six regional chambers of commerce in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, Beer Sheva, Eilat, and Nazareth.

• 2019: The Chamber supported legislation to open an Arizona trade office in Israel, which a bipartisan delegation of 18 state lawmakers officially opened in November of that year. 
  
  
• The Chamber also supported legislation signed by former Gov. Doug Ducey to oppose the BDS movement – which encourages institutions to boycott, divest, or sell Israeli-related assets – an effort by anti-Israel activists to isolate the country economically.

• 2018: The Chamber in 2018 convened a special water conference in conjunction with the U.S. Chamber and several Israeli water experts to examine best practices in water technology.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

“The U.S. Chamber of Commerce strongly condemns the heinous attacks on Israel. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel and stand in solidarity with them as they battle the scourge of terrorism.

“We are mobilizing support for the victims in partnership with the Jewish Federations of North America and other organizations. And we are in touch with our partners from the Israeli government and AmCham Israel as we further explore ways for the U.S. Chamber and the business community to provide humanitarian assistance during this difficult time.

“For further information on how to support relief efforts or other matters, please email: [email protected].”

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs

I condemn the horrific terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. Arizona stands with the people of Israel and supports their right to self defense. My heart breaks for the families of those who have been killed, injured or captured.

— Governor Katie Hobbs (@GovernorHobbs) October 7, 2023

Arizona U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

Statement Condemning Terrorist Attacks Against Israel.https://t.co/xMni3tkTkk pic.twitter.com/q5JZSwZH0H

— Kyrsten Sinema (@SenatorSinema) October 7, 2023

Arizona U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

These attacks by Hamas against Israel were heinous and unprovoked.

My thoughts are with the families of those killed, injured, and captured.

I strongly condemn these attacks. The United States remains unwavering in our support for Israel and their right to self-defense.

— Senator Mark Kelly (@SenMarkKelly) October 7, 2023

Arizona House delegation

U.S. Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-1)

I strongly condemn the unprovoked attacks coordinated by Hamas terrorists against Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East. The United States must stand on the side of freedom and offer unwavering support for Israel as they fight to defend their homeland. 🇮🇱🇺🇸

— Rep. David Schweikert (@RepDavid) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-2)

I firmly stand with Israel against these ungodly attacks. https://t.co/NxQqDkeSlZ

— Rep. Eli Crane (@RepEliCrane) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-3)

The unprovoked terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israeli citizens are alarming and horrifying. My thoughts are with the victims and their families during this unprecedented time.

I stand with Israel and its right to defend itself from these heinous and widespread attacks.

— Ruben Gallego (@RepRubenGallego) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-4)

This is a horrific, unprovoked attack against our ally by Hamas terrorists.

The U.S. must stand with Israel as it defends itself and protects its people.

— Rep. Greg Stanton (@RepGregStanton) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs (AZ-5)

America stands with Israel.

I strongly condemn the latest Hamas terrorist attacks and support Israel’s right to self defense.

My thoughts and prayers are with the innocent Israeli victims and their families.

— Rep Andy Biggs (@RepAndyBiggsAZ) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-6)

Iran-backed Hamas terrorists have launched an unjust, unprovoked war on Israel.

The U.S. continues to stand firmly behind our closest ally. The attacks on Israel should be universally condemned. 🇺🇸🇮🇱

— Congressman Juan Ciscomani (@RepCiscomani) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (AZ-8)

Please join me in praying for our greatest ally in the Middle East, Israel. These heinous acts of terror cannot be tolerated. I stand with Israel.

— Congresswoman Debbie Lesko (@RepDLesko) October 7, 2023

U.S. Rep. Paul Gosar (AZ-9)

Many of you did not see my statement about the attack on Israel. The barbarism & savagery from Hamas has earned a very robust response from the IDF. It is clear that Hamas will not leave Israelis to live in peace. It gives Israel no choice but to destroy them. My statement:…

— Rep. Paul Gosar, DDS (@RepGosar) October 9, 2023