Illinois General Assembly - Full Text of HR0055

HR0055 LRB104 09528 LAW 19591 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a foreign terrorist organization, launched a brutal terrorist attack upon the civilians of the State of Israel; and

WHEREAS, The attack followed countless other terrorist acts by Hamas against the State of Israel and its civilians, and this cross-border assault included thousands of rockets fired by Hamas into Israel and numerous terrorist incursions into the streets and homes of Israeli civilians; and

WHEREAS, As a result of this heinous attack, more than 1,200 men, women, and children were killed and thousands more were wounded; more than 200 Israelis and foreign nationals of more than 30 countries, including U.S. citizens, have been abducted and brutalized by Hamas terrorists, and rapes, torture, and murders of abducted civilians have been reported; and

WHEREAS, As of January 19, 2025, U.S. officials have reported that 46 American citizens had been killed in the brutal assault, with 251 hostages being taken in the attack on October 7, 2023; of those, 57 hostages, including four U.S. citizens believed to be alive and the bodies of three U.S. citizens, have yet to be released and remain captive today; and

WHEREAS, Continued prayers are offered to those abducted civilians, including those American citizens and their families, as the hostage release deal continues; and

WHEREAS, Hamas' attacks on October 7 unleashed a year of devastating conflict, with tragic consequences for the State of Israel and its civilians; and

WHEREAS, Over a year after the horrific attack on October 7, 2023, tragedy, destruction, and instability haunt the people in the State of Israel today; patriotic Americans have responded to this attack by expressing their unwavering support for Israel and Jewish Americans; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we reflect on the heinous Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023, and we remember the lives of the civilians, soldiers, and defenders who expressed unwavering support for the State of Israel; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we extend our sincere condolences to the families who have lost loved ones in this brutal assault, including the families of the 46 American citizens who lost their lives; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we stand steadfast in the face of terrorism and violent acts, and we remain committed to lasting peace and stability for the State of Israel; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to Yinam Cohen, the Consul General of Israel to the Midwest, at the Office of the Consulate General of Israel in Chicago.