Golden Statement on Rally in Portland

WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) released a statement on the rally in Portland on October 11, 2023.

“The idea that any organization or group of people would seize upon the tragedy taking place in Israel and the suffering of the Jewish community to present a false equivalency between the government of Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran would be almost laughable were it not so sickening given the atrocities committed against the people of Israel these past few days. The kidnapping and public abuse, and the murder of women, children, and the elderly, even babies – entire families killed in their own homes; these are the brutal actions of Hamas, a violent militant organization elected and supported by the Palestinians living in Gaza. There is no equivalent evil in the comparably reserved but necessarily strong military response by Israel in defense of its nation and its people. Most of us would expect no less, perhaps even more if this were happening in America, and in fact, Americans have been killed and taken hostage.
 

There is no substantive debate to be had here –America does, and should, stand with Israel against Hamas, Hezbollah, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, and any other terrorists who seek the destruction of Israel, all of whom are known to harbor an intent to harm and kill Americans abroad and here on our own homeland.”- Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

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