Utah Jewish Federation, Gov. Gox stand by Israel after deadly Hamas attack
Oct 7, 2023, 11:00 AM | Updated: Nov 30, 2023, 5:50 pm

Smoke rises from an area near a power plant outside Ashkelon, Israel, on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip infiltrated Saturday into southern Israel and fired thousands of rockets into the country while Israel began striking targets in Gaza in response. (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jewish Federation, along with several Utah leaders, are expressing their support of Israel after Hamas militants conducted a surprise attack in Israel early Saturday morning.
Hamas is the largest militant group in Palestinian territories and one of the two major political parties. Israel has now declared a state of war with Hamas, after militants fired thousands of rockets into towns near the Gaza Strip and sent fighters into Israelian streets.
The New York Times reported that Israeli and Palestinian officials confirmed the attacks have killed nearly 300 people with hundreds more wounded.
In response to this attack, the deadliest in Israel in years, the United Jewish Federation of Utah is voicing its support for Israel.
Political support
Today, I spoke with @IsraeliPM about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. @FLOTUS and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.
— President Biden (@POTUS) October 7, 2023
Utah leaders are also showing their support for Israel. Gov. Spencer Cox discussed Utah’s long-standing relationship with Israel in an X post, saying, “we will stand by our ally as they face the aftermath of an unjust attack on their country and people.”
Utah has a long-standing relationship with Israel, and we will stand by our ally as they face the aftermath of an unjust attack on their country and people.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by this act of terrorism. Israel, and its people, will be in our prayers.
— Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox (@GovCox) October 7, 2023
Additionally, Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, wrote a few words on his X account as well.
“I was saddened to wake up to news of Hamas’ attack on the State of Israel,” he wrote. “I fully support Israel and their right to defend themselves, and I pray this conflict ends swiftly.”
I was saddened to wake up to news of Hamas’ attack on the State of Israel, prompting a state of war to be declared. I fully support Israel and their right to defend themselves, and I pray this conflict ends swiftly. #utpol
— Congressman Blake Moore (@RepBlakeMoore) October 7, 2023