Standing in unity with prominent New York Jewish leaders, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Wednesday called for full military aid for Israel, including replenishing of the Iron Dome air defense system. New York’s Junior Senator also called for evacuation flights out of Israel for American citizens and enhanced security funding for synagogues.
Senator Gillibrand is also working on letters calling for quick action to replenish the Iron Dome air defense system and ensure Israel has the resources it needs to defend itself and calling for $500 million in funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to meet the needs of at-risk organizations, including synagogues, this fiscal year.
Senator Gillibrand has long led a bipartisan letter in support of U.S.-Israeli cooperative missile defense programs, which advance U.S. national security interests by supporting Israel’s ability to defend itself against missile and rocket attacks. For several years, Senator Gillibrand has secured at least $500 million annually for these important programs. In the Senate, Gillibrand has led the push for these programs dating back to at least 2012.
“I strongly condemn the unprovoked terrorist attack launched by Hamas and stand shoulder to shoulder with the Israeli people. My heart goes out to the people of Israel whose lives have been torn apart by these savage acts of brutality. Throughout my career, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to deliver hundreds of millions of dollars for Israel’s defense systems, and now that work will be more critical than ever. Today, I’m calling for more funding and resources to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome and for evacuation flights out of Israel to help Americans return home. I’m also calling on the Biden administration to swiftly deliver to Congress any supplemental funding requests to aid Israel. I’m also fighting to increase funding for at-risk non-profit institutions, including synagogues, to make security enhancements that will allow New Yorkers to gather safely. This is a moment to come together in unity and show the world that we are unwavering in our stance against antisemitism and hate,” said Senator Gillibrand.
