2026 House Resolution 372

Whereas, The Jewish people are native to the Land of Israel. However, throughout history and across the reign of multiple kingdoms, the Jewish people were persecuted and expelled from the Land of Israel, forced to live as minority diaspora communities in other lands. Jewish diaspora communities were historically violently persecuted in, and in some cases expelled from, other countries throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia due to their religion; and

Whereas, The Nazis attempted to annihilate the entire Jewish population of Europe during the Holocaust, murdering 6,000,000 Jews during this time. This genocide provided new urgency to re-establish a Jewish homeland for the Jewish people, where they would not be a vulnerable minority, where they could freely practice their faith, and where something like the Holocaust could never happen again; and

Whereas, The modern State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948. Even after the establishment of this state, however, other countries and terrorist entities continued to attack Israel, reject its right to exist, and call for its destruction; and

Whereas, It was only three years ago, on October 7, 2023, that Hamas launched a ground attack against Israel, targeting both military bases and civilian areas during a Jewish holiday. Over 1,200 Israelis and foreign nationals died in the attack and its immediate aftermath. This incident demonstrates that Israel continues to face existential threats to this day; and

Whereas, Israel is the only Jewish state. Despite persistent external threats, the existence of Israel continues to provide Jews with the possibility of a place to live free from persecution and discrimination. The State of Israel has a right to exist, and denying this is a form of antisemitism; and

Whereas, When public officials use antisemitic rhetoric, it has harmful effects on the Jewish community and our broader society. The espousal or endorsement of such beliefs is anti-democratic and contrary to the founding principles of our nation and the state of Michigan, and the use of such harmful language can be a precursor to further human rights abuses; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the United States government to take all appropriate action to support Israel’s right to statehood; and be it further

Resolved, That we urge the United States government to take action to prevent Hamas and other groups from succeeding in their efforts to eliminate the only Jewish state; and be it further

Resolved, That we call on the Governor to review department policies to ensure they are not antisemitic; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States and the Governor.