On October 20, nearly two weeks after the Hamas attack, “Governor Newsom Travels to Israel” appeared on the California governor’s website:
TEL AVIV – Governor Gavin Newsom released the below statement following his visit to Israel ahead of traveling to China. While in Israel, the Governor met with survivors, impacted families, and others “As I reflect back on the extraordinary people I just met today in Israel, I am reminded of the deep connections between my home state and this country. A country that has faced many dark times before, and certainly is in one now.
“But amid this present struggle against terrorists are stories of unimaginable heroism — and unspeakable tragedy.
“I listened to the grief and terror in a mother’s voice as she spoke about her son — a Californian right now being held hostage in Gaza — whose arm was blown off by a terrorist’s grenade.
“I hugged a girl — another Californian, born in Los Angeles — who was shot in the leg by Hamas and left for dead, in truly horrific conditions.
“I grieved with families in mourning, I met with young soldiers fresh from bomb shelters and battlefields, and I sat with leaders who bear the responsibility of response to it all.
“Despite the horror, what I saw and heard from the people of Israel was a profound sense of resilience. A commitment to community and common purpose, especially in these most difficult of times.
“That’s the Israeli spirit. And it’s also the California spirit. We are bound by more than those who live one place or another, or who have family here or there. My heart is heavy for all innocent people under the crushing pressure of loss and grief, no matter which side of fence they quite literally find themselves on.
“So as I prepare to leave, I share these words: may the memory of those who perished be a blessing to the whole world.”
Gov. Newsom was en route to China, and on Sunday in Hong Kong he told reporters the visit strengthened his sympathy for Israelis reeling from the Hamas’ attacks. Gov. Newsom saw videos of beheadings the Politico report said had been blocked in the West.
“The worst part about it — the actual video, I saw heads, beheaded people, their bodies, lay there, dead. To see someone’s eyes and mouth being poked to see if they were alive, to find out they were alive after being shot on the ground,” Newsom said. “It connects to an understanding of the emotion of the Israelis about the atrocities that occurred, and about the 1,400 lives lost. It’s not intellectual any longer.”
Newsom explained that he was working with U.S. officials and NGOs to get medical supplies to the region, “separately and above the aid we’re providing for Israel.” The governor told reporters, allegedly in a sarcastic tone, “I wish I was president of the United States. I could start doing all those things.”
Check both stories for any place Gov. Newsom condemns Hamas. For his agenda in China, see this story.
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