In a joint session of the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives, Maor Elbaz-Starinsky, Israeli consul general to the region, addressed lawmakers regarding American support of Israel.
The Feb. 6 address coincided with the introduction of resolutions supporting Israel in the Missouri House and Senate.
Pro-Palestinian protestors in the chamber interrupted Elbaz-Starinsky, shouting for a ceasefire. Missouri Speaker of the House Dean Plocher used his gavel and called for decorum as the livestream of the session continued.
The consul general’s address focused on the connection and shared values between Missouri and Israel as well as the collaboration between the two through political visits, statements, resolutions, proclamations, Holocaust remembrance initiatives and combating antisemitism. Elbaz-Starinsky said that Israel’s aim is to fortify both political and economic ties with Missouri, citing its “vibrant Jewish community.”
“Our two states share a rich history, common interests and a passion for innovation,” he said. “From agriculture to aviation, Israel and Missouri have exchanged knowledge, expertise and ideas that have benefited both our communities and the entire world. We celebrate the partnerships between our universities, entrepreneurs, and businesses that have led to groundbreaking discoveries and economic growth. As we face global challenges, Israel and Missouri stand together in promoting peace, security and democratic values.”
Elbaz-Starinsky commended the lawmakers for their efforts to combat antisemitism, noting that International Holocaust Remembrance Day happened the previous week.
“These days, the words ‘Never Again’ take on a new, modern, yet old, meaning, and the fight against antisemitism is growing more complex,” he said. “Attacks and persecution of Jews are visible on U.S. campuses, social media platforms and international organizations.”
Elbaz-Starinsky’s address occurred nearly four months after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that resulted in the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust and the abduction of more than 250 people including women, children and the elderly. He addressed the resulting Israel-Hamas war and the importance of American support.
“Securing our nation has been a persistent challenge for Israel, marked by ongoing conflicts, including a recent intense and gruesome war with Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped, mutilated, maimed and tortured more than 1,200 Israelis, and who kidnapped hundreds of others, including babies, toddlers, elderly and Holocaust survivors,” he said. “Despite the difficult circumstances, Israel is committed to defending its citizens while actively pursuing peace. The bitter reality of warfare is exemplified by the sacrifice, courage and immense bravery displayed by the Israel Defense Forces. Our soldiers are fighting for the entire free world because, and have [sic] no mistake: these terrorists will come after each and every one of us here, because this is a war between evil and good, darkness and light, and if someone can’t tell which is which, they are part of the problem.”
Elbaz-Starinsky also highlighted specific technological, scientific and diplomatic endeavors and achievements between Israel and Missouri, as well as recognized that President Harry Truman, originally from Missouri, was the first world leader to recognize Israel on May 14, 1948.
He concluded his speech by saying, “May God bless Israel, bless the United States and bless each one of you. And most importantly, may God bless Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce — Go Chiefs.” He followed that by reciting the “Oseh Shalom” prayer for peace.
House and Senate Resolutions
The introduction of four pro-Israel resolutions to the Missouri House and Senate (two per chamber) came about a month after resolutions in support of Israel passed in the Kansas Senate and House.
House resolution HCR 30 (introduced by Speaker of the House Dean Plocher) and Senate resolution SCR 25 (sponsored by Sen. Bill Eigel) use nearly identical language recognizing Israel’s independence, right to exist as a Jewish state and the presence of Jews there for “the past four thousand years.” The resolutions also support President Donald Trump’s 2017 decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and acknowledge President Truman, “Missouri’s son,” as the first world leader to officially recognize Israel.
Both resolutions conclude with instructions to provide a copy of the signed resolution to Elbaz-Starinsky in Miami.
The two other resolutions, House resolution HCR 29 (introduced by Rep. Adam Schwadron) and Senate resolution SCR 24 (sponsored by Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman), both condemn the terror attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 and reiterate Missouri’s support for Israel.
HCR 29 is intended to be a condemnation specifically from the Missouri House, but SCR 24 is meant to “urge the United States Congress to offer full and unequivocal support of Israel financially and otherwise for as long as it takes for Israel to bring justice in light of the unprovoked attacks on innocent Israeli civilians.”
None of the four resolutions have yet been adopted as of publication.
