LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Senate adopted a resolution on Wednesday condemning the Hamas attacks on Israel, which began on Oct. 7.
In their opposition to the attacks, the Senate made note that, "More Jewish civilian lives were lost on October 7 than any single day since 1945."
The Senate also echoed calls for humanitarian relief for civilians in Gaza.
The adopted resolution noted that Hamas's actions are not representative of all Palestinians, saying, "Hamas's tyranny does not represent the views or advance the aspirations of the many Palestinians who seek to live in dignity and peace in a region mired by conflict..."
The resolution, which also affirms "Israel's right to defend itself from Hamas and other terrorists, and to prevent future attacks," drew some contrasts to a previous resolution from Republican Senator Mark Huizenga (R-Walker) regarding the war.
In his own resolution, Huizenga both condemned the Hamas attacks and expressed support for Israel, labeling it, "A resolution to support Israel, the long-standing partner of the United States of America, and to clearly condemn the terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas against the Israeli people starting on Saturday, October 7, 2023."
The resolution adopted by the full Senate does support Israel's right to defend itself and affirms "the dignity of all innocent civilians impacted, Israelis and Palestinians," but does not go so far as to express outright support for Israel.
Instead, much of the resolution's language signaled support for civilians on both sides and those in Michigan with ties to those impacted, writing, "...we stand with all Michiganders who have Israeli and Palestinian cultural, religious, and familial roots, and decry all antisemitism and Islamophobia in our districts, our state, and across the globe..."
Leaders have had to walk a fine line in recent days, as some officials and everyday Americans have spoken publicly to both oppose the killing of innocents while also putting emphasis on what they see as Israel's encroachment on Palestinian rights and land - a situation they believe to be a backdrop of the current violence.
While the resolution that passed through the Senate was somewhat different from Huizenga's, he did still sign onto it as a cosponsor.
A resolution was also introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives last week, but has not been brought to the House floor for a vote.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and on your phone.