Sunday, October 8, 2023
"I was horrified at the news of the surprise terror attack perpetrated on the people of Israel on October 7, 2023, a day that will forever be remembered as a day of infamy for Israelis. On the Holy Sabbath, and on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur war, Hamas terrorists put on full display to the world their disregard for human life and civilization. Unprovoked, they showered Israel with thousands of missiles; slaughtered hundreds of young Israelis joyfully attending a music festival; broke into homes to kill innocent women, children, and elderly; and took both Israeli soldiers and civilians as hostages of a war that they - Hamas - started. I have had the privilege of visiting and spending quality time in Israel. I have visited Sderot and I am heartbroken to see the images of horror and terror inflicted on it. I pray for the lives and safety of the friends I made there and for all the people of Israel. The death toll of innocent Israelis continues to climb. The United States of America and the State of Illinois stand with the people of Israel and Israel itself. It is crucial that we acknowledge Israel’s right to exist and its right to utilize the full extent of its powers to defend itself against those who wish to destroy it."
Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza