Representative Mikie Sherrill Remarks to the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ

Below is the transcript of Representative Mikie Sherrill's remarks to the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ on the morning of May 14, 2021:

Thank you, Dov, thank you Linda, for inviting me to join this morning for this critical update about the situation on the ground, which I know is evolving quickly. It's really an honor to be here with the Consul General and my colleague, Congressman Malinowski. I see many familiar faces.

It's been a really trying week for everyone. In fact, throughout the week we've been closely monitoring the situation. On Wednesday, I was with our special forces, here in the United States, who are in close contact with the Israeli special forces — and in fact one of the leaders had missed part of the meeting because he had just been working on some concerns with what was going on in Israel.

I am so sorry for all of the families, for people who have lost their family members. I am sorry we have so many people in my district who are spending sleepless nights praying to ensure your loved ones are safe and protected. And certainly, I think everyone is especially devastated over the loss of lives of children.

I've traveled to Israel. I've personally met with families who are now in grave danger. Michal, I see you in the Zoom, I can only imagine how difficult this is for you having been to Kibbutz Erez and talking to you about your previous experiences.

With that said, these indiscriminate rocket attacks being perpetuated by Hamas are terrorist acts. Israel does have the right to defend itself. And the crucial thing now is that the escalation of violence stops so that we can hopefully work towards peace and taking care of our community members and their families.

Everything possible is being done to bring a resolution. I think the Israeli government has the responsibility to do that, and has the ability to influence the pace of how quickly this accelerates or slows. And I think the United States certainly has a critical role to play in supporting that effort. I was very happy to see that President Biden reached out to Prime Minister Netanyahu; they evidently spoke for quite a long time. I know Secretary Blinken has been working on critically needed diplomacy including sending an envoy. I am monitoring the situation. I actually — we've been in touch with the White House to discuss our ongoing concerns with what is happening and my feeling that the United States has to be a key partner to our most important strategic ally in the region.

So, I just want to say once again, I'm so sorry for the pain and suffering. And I'll join all of you in praying that we can de-escalate this and come to a peaceful resolution. Thank you

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