39 Nebraska state lawmakers sign resolution in support of Israel one year after Hamas attack • Nebraska Examiner

LINCOLN — Thirty-nine of Nebraska’s 49 state senators have signed an informal resolution affirming their support for the Israeli people and condemning Hamas terrorists one year after the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Thirty-nine senators signed a similar resolution a year ago. State Sen. Brad von Gillern of Elkhorn circulated both letters This year’s resolution urges members of Nebraska’s federal delegation to do all they can to support the Israeli people. It also calls on Nebraska law enforcement to protect Israeli Americans and supporters of Israel from all acts of crime, anti-semitism and unlawful discrimination.

“These Senators feel that it is important to speak out against the atrocities happening against the Israeli people and let Nebraskans know that their elected officials stand with those defending innocent life,” a statement from von Gillern’s office states.

State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha signed the 2023 resolution but not the latest statement.

Fredrickson did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He last tweeted about Israel, Palestine or Gaza on Oct. 10, 2023, when he said “the deadly, unprovoked attacks on Israel can only be described in one word: Horrific.” 

He urged Nebraskans at the time to support organizations on the ground.

“To the many who are suffering, we are here for you. We see you. And we stand with you,” Fredrickson said on X, formerly Twitter, on Oct. 10, 2023.

Von Gillern told the Nebraska Examiner he was unable to reach Fredrickson before putting out the resolution.

“I have no reason to believe that his thoughts have changed, we were just simply unable to get a hold of him in time for his signature,” von Gillern said. “We’ll be happy to add his signature when we are able to get in touch with him.”

State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, who did not sign either resolution, has regularly criticized the Israeli government for “unforgivable crimes against humanity.” She has called for a permanent ceasefire, bringing home all hostages, an arms embargo to Israel and Palestinian freedom.

“It gets sicker every day,” Hunt tweeted Sept. 10. “I do not understand those who can witness what we are seeing and be silent.”

The resolution calls out the “terrorist infrastructure” of hiding among civilian population centers to use civilians and Palestinians “as human shields.”

The cosigners write they recognize Israel’s rights to act decisively and unilaterally in self-defense and “pursue without interference or condemnation” the elimination and permanent neutralization of Hamas.

“The undersigned hereby convey our most heartfelt condolences to all innocent victims as well as their families and communities,” the senators wrote.

State Sen. Fred Meyer of St. Paul, appointed to the Legislature in November, signed this year’s letter. Former State Sen. Tom Briese of Albion signed the letter in October before being appointed state treasurer.

Gov. Jim Pillen has also spoken out for Israel, recognizing a “Day of Observance” on the anniversary of the attacks this week.

Other senators who signed both letters were: Ray Aguilar, Joni Albrecht, John Arch, Christy Armendariz, Beau Ballard, Carolyn Bosn, Eliot Bostar, Bruce Bostelman, Tom Brandt, Tom Brewer, Robert Clements, Danielle Conrad, Jen Day, Myron Dorn, Barry DeKay, Robert Dover, Steve Erdman, John Fredrickson, Steve Halloran, Ben Hansen, Brian Hardin, Rick Holdcroft, Jana Hughes, Teresa Ibach, Mike Jacobson, Kathleen Kauth, Lou Ann Linehan, Loren Lippincott, John Lowe, Mike McDonnell, Mike Moser, Dave Murman, Merv Riepe, Rita Sanders, Julie Slama, Tony Vargas, Lynne Walz and Anna Wishart.

Other senators who did not sign were: Carol Blood, John Cavanaugh, Machaela Cavanaugh, Wendy DeBoer, George Dungan, Terrell McKinney, Jane Raybould and Justin Wayne.