Senator Anna M. Kaplan Issues Statement of Support for Israel, Celebrates Israel's Independence Day

(Mineola, NY) On a week that saw Israel forced to defend its citizens against terrorist attack, New York State Senator Anna M. Kaplan (D-Great Neck) issued a statement of strong support for Israel, and a call for unity.

Senator Anna M. Kaplan said "The brutal murder of innocent Israeli civilians at the hands of terrorists this week emphasizes the peril faced by Israelis on a daily basis, and reaffirms the need for all Americans to stand united in support of Israel and their right to self defense. As if that weren’t enough, this week NYU's Department of Social and Cultural Analysis approved an academic boycott of its Tel Aviv campus, officially turning its back on the students and faculty studying there. With these attacks, and the constant persecution Israel faces every day, it's never been more important for us all to stand up and speak out in the strongest of terms in Israel's defense. We simply cannot stand by and ignore injustices against our Israeli friends and allies."

Senator Kaplan also spoke out in support of Israel this week on the floor of the New York State Senate, when the chamber took up a resolution she co-sponsored (J1386) which Congratulates the State of Israel upon the occasion of its 71st Anniversary.

>>VIDEO: Senator Kaplan speaks in support of Israel on the floor of the NYS Senate

The proceedings of the Senate were opened with an invocation by Rabbi Yamin Levy of Beth Hadassah Synagogue in Great Neck, NY. Rabbi Levy was invited to present the invocation by Senator Kaplan.

>>VIDEO: Rabbi Yamin Levy of Beth Hadassah Synagogue in Great Neck, NY delivers invocation before NYS Senate Session.

Today, Senator Kaplan joined Supervisor Laura Gillen of Hempstead, America's Largest Township, for a special ceremony honoring local Jewish community leaders, culminating with the raising of Israel's flag in front of Hempstead Town Hall.

>>PHOTOS: Senator Kaplan Celebrates Israel's Independence Day in Albany, and Senator Kaplan Raises Israel's Flag at Hempstead Town Hall with Jewish Community Leaders

Senator Kaplan concluded "Supporting and celebrating Israel isn't a partisan issue. We must do everything we can to overcome hate and heal division in this country and around the world. It's a common purpose around which we all can unite."