Prominent Indian Americans, including two Republican presidential candidates, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, have come out in strong support of Israel in the wake of unprecedented attacks by the Hamas militant group that have resulted in hundreds of casualties.
Hamas, a Palestinian militant organization, launched a series of rocket attacks on southern Israel, resulting in the tragic loss of over 600 lives, including soldiers, and leaving more than 1,900 people injured. In response, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated multiple airstrikes targeting Hamas’ critical infrastructure. This escalation has led to approximately 1,000 confirmed casualties in both Israel and Gaza, marking one of the most significant escalations between the two sides in decades.
Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley emphasized the importance of unity with Israel, as groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and their Iranian backers harbor animosity towards the United States and Israel. She stressed the need for America to stand with Israel, as the threats faced by Israel could potentially extend to the U.S. Haley took to social media to urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “finish them (Hamas),” underscoring the severity of the situation.
Haley, who previously served as the U.S. ambassador to the UN, highlighted her past efforts to denounce Hamas and stressed the importance of not bowing to world pressure when it comes to confronting evil.
Another Indian American Republican candidate, Vivek Ramaswamy, drew attention to the lesson that America should learn from the attack on Israel: the need to bolster its own border defenses. He cautioned against complacency, noting vulnerabilities in border security, cyber defense, super-EMP defense, nuclear missile defense, and space-based defenses.
Mukesh Aghi, CEO of the U.S. India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), expressed his solidarity with Israel on social media, displaying the flag of India alongside a message of support.
Community leaders like Bharat Barai and Ajay Jain Bhutoria condemned the actions of Hamas, describing it as one of the most brutal terrorist organizations globally and supporting Israel’s right to defend itself. They called upon the civilized world to condemn such acts of terror.
Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi affirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Israel in the face of the “gruesome” terror attack and its right to self-defense.
Indian American Congressman Ro Khanna condemned the “inhuman and appalling” war crimes committed by Hamas against Israeli civilians and expressed solidarity with the people of Israel during this dark period.
Indian American Congressman Dr. Ami Bera denounced the terrorist attack by Hamas and emphasized the importance of the United States standing with Israel to safeguard its sovereignty.
Indian American Congressman Shri Thanedar echoed the sentiment of standing firmly with Israel and called for Congress to unite in support of Israel until the threat is addressed and security is restored.