KINGSTON NY – The Thank You Letter had 400 signatures from local constituents. The Jewish Federations also thanked Rep. Ryan for continued work to free hostages still held by Hamas, including American citizens and the families of Hudson Valley residents.
Just over 100 days since Hamas’s brutal attack on Israel, representatives from the Jewish Federations of Dutchess, Orange, and Ulster Counties presented Rep. Pat Ryan and his staff with a thank you letter, with 400 local signatures for his ardent support of Israel’s right to exist, his ongoing fight against antisemitism, and his continued efforts to free hostages still held by Hamas, including American citizens and relatives and close friends of some Hudson Valley residents. The Jewish Federations formally presented the Thank You Pat Ryan Letter at Rep. Ryan’s Kingston office, which was recently attacked by anti-Israel protestors.
“Our heart breaks for the people of Israel, who have experienced unspeakable anguish, and I firmly believe Congressman Ryan’s message is one we should all get behind. Bring the hostages home, remove Hamas, and rededicate ourselves to a lasting peace. That’s what we should be focused on, not calls for a unilateral ceasefire, which would allow Hamas to commit the horrors of October 7th over and over again. Congressman Ryan is a true champion of the Hudson Valley Jewish community, and today’s outpouring of support proves that.” – Rondavid Gold, President, Jewish Federation of Ulster County
CONTENTS OF THE THANK YOU LETTER TO U.S. CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN
Dear Congressman Ryan,
We write on behalf of the Jewish community of the Hudson Valley to thank you for your steadfast support following Hamas’s brutal terrorist attack of October 7th and for your continued leadership in the fight against antisemitism. The list of signatures below is representative of the many in our community who support you and who extend sincere gratitude.
The last few weeks have been exceptionally difficult for Jews both in Israel and worldwide. As many have lamented, October 7th was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Ghoulish images of non-combatants being kidnapped at gun point, women raped, infant children burnt alive, and entire families massacred brings to mind the very worst atrocities committed in Nazi Germany.
The ambivalent and even exultant reactions of certain politicians and other public figures and on many university campuses following the carnage has also taken a tremendous emotional toll on members of our community. To see so many prominent leaders and educators not only refuse to unreservedly condemn Hamas and the taking of hostages, and, in some cases, to even support terrorist calls for the eradication of the Jewish people is shocking, and to be honest, quite terrifying.
Amid so much hatred and strife, we are incredibly proud and thankful to have you as our congressman. Your clarity of purpose in standing beside the Jewish people and in support of the State of Israel is exactly the kind of representation we hope and seek from our political leaders.
As the number of anti-Semitic incidents continues to increase at an alarming rate, we applaud your continued efforts to root out hate from the Hudson Valley. Also appreciated is your effort to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program that enhances security at our places of worship and community centers. We urge and trust that you will keep pushing until this measure becomes law. Congressman Ryan, these are indeed trying times, and we thank you whole-heartedly for your leadership!
FOR MORE INFO- Contact Harv Hilowitz,
Ulster County Jewish Federation, email:ucjfsafe@gmail.com, office: 845-590-0925
