HR0499 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0499 LRB103 35214 LAW 65196 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a designated foreign terrorist organization, perpetrated a brutal terrorist attack against the Republic of Israel, launching thousands of rockets and conducting incursions into Israeli territory; and

WHEREAS, This savage assault resulted in the tragic loss of numerous innocent lives, leaving thousands more injured and over one hundred individuals, including U.S. citizens, subjected to abductions, with reports of horrifying acts of violence being perpetrated by Hamas terrorists, including rape, torture, and murder; and

WHEREAS, The international community stands united in its condemnation of this heinous act of terrorism, and it expresses unwavering solidarity with the victims and their families, including Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Aner Shapira, whose bravery and courage are being recognized and acknowledged by communities across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a 23-year-old man, was among those taken hostage, sustaining severe injuries in the process, including the loss of his arm below the elbow due to a grenade explosion he survived while fighting back against Hamas' merciless attack on Israel; he was last seen showing unwavering strength, determination, and poise while being abducted by Hamas terrorists; and

WHEREAS, Hersh Goldberg-Polin's parents, now residing in Israel, were originally raised in Chicago, and his grandmothers currently reside in Chicago and Evanston, highlighting the profound and intense impact this tragedy has had on communities across Israel, the United States, and the world; and

WHEREAS, Aner Shapira, an off-duty Israel Defense Forces soldier and member of the Nahal Brigade, was among those killed that day and sacrificed his life in an incredible and inspiring act of bravery; as he and over 20 other festivalgoers sought safety in a public bomb shelter, Hamas terrorists began throwing live grenades into the shelter; in response, he defended and protected those beside him by catching and throwing back grenades at the terrorists, saving others while laying down his life in the process; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist acts perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, 2023 and express our full solidarity with the Republic of Israel and its citizens; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we believe that the responsible parties behind this heinous act, including Hamas and its affiliates, must be held accountable for their actions and that all necessary measures need to be taken to ensure justice is served; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we demand the immediate and safe return of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, along with all other hostages forcibly taken by Hamas terrorists, from Hamas captivity, and that every option must be explored and every effort must be exerted to secure their release and facilitate their safe return to their loving, brave, and courageous families; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge the United Nations, relevant international bodies, and member states to mobilize all available resources to assist in the negotiation and rescue efforts, with a focus on the well-being and immediate medical attention required for Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the other hostages; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we call upon the nations of the world to work collectively to prevent such acts of terror in the future and to strengthen global cooperation in combating terrorism in all of its forms; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we recognize and honor the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of Hersh Goldberg-Polin's friend, Aner Shapira, who valiantly gave his life to protect others in the attack, displaying selflessness and heroism in the face of unimaginable danger; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President of the United States, the U.S. Senate Majority Leader, the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, the U.S. Speaker of the House, the U.S. House of Representatives Minority Leader, and all members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.