ATLANTA (Nov. 3, 2023) — On Monday, Oct. 30, the Georgia-Israel Legislative Caucus, represented by Senators Russ Goodman (R-Cogdell), Kay Kirkpatrick (R-Marietta), Sonya Halpern (D-Atlanta) and Jason Esteves (D-Atlanta), held a ‘Bring Them Home’ event advocating for the release of Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza.

Sen. Goodman denounced the actions of Hamas and emphasized the need for action. “Hamas terrorists have no regard for human life, as they have made clear through their violent acts of war across Israel,” said Sen. Goodman. “After seeing the destruction to the region with my own eyes, I know that it is imperative our Nation does its due diligence to ensure that hostage families are returned to safety quickly and efficiently. I pray for those who are still trapped by these vile terrorists and look forward to the day they are brought back home.”

Sen. Kirkpatrick spoke of a united front in the face of terrorism. “We stand united in our commitment to justice and the safety of innocent lives,” she declared, underlining the universal importance of resolving the hostage situation. “The release of hostages held by Hamas is not just an Israeli concern, but a global imperative. We must work tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those who have been unjustly detained and send a powerful message that terrorism will never prevail over the values of freedom and humanity.”

Sen. Halpern highlighted the dire nature of the issue and its relevance to American principles. “The heinous situation involving hostages taken by Hamas demands our collective attention and diplomatic efforts,” she said, invoking a comparison to potential terrorist attacks in Georgia to illustrate the gravity of the situation. “To put this in perspective as a member of the Georgia Senate, think about how our state would respond if terrorists attacked coastal Georgians down near Savannah in the same way they brutally inflicted violence and terror on Israeli and American citizens last month. Israel has the right to exist and defend itself through aggressive efforts to bring home its hostages and deter future potential attacks. We must work together to uphold the principles of justice and humanity, standing firm against terrorism.”

Sen. Esteves made a bipartisan appeal for the hostages’ liberation. “It is imperative that we unite, across party lines, to call for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas,” he remarked, acknowledging the distress of the hostages’ families. “I pray for their safe return home so that they could be reunited with their loved ones and communities. We must also remember that the families of the hostages are enduring unimaginable pain and uncertainty during this time.”

The event demonstrated solidarity against terrorism and a resolute stance on bringing the hostages back to safety.

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Sen. Russ Goodman serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs. He represents the 8th Senate District which includes Atkinson, Clinch, Echols, Lanier, and Lowndes counties and portions of Ware County. He may be reached via email at russ.goodman@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Kay Kirkpatrick serves as Chair of the Children and Families Committee. She represents the 32nd Senate District which includes portions of East Cobb and Cherokee County. She may be reached by phone at 404.656.3932 or by email at kay.kirkpatrick@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Sonya Halpern serves as Democratic Caucus Vice Chair. She represents the 39th Senate District in Fulton County which includes many neighborhoods in Atlanta, City of South Fulton, College Park, East Point, and Union City. She may be reached at (404) 463-1351 or via email at sonya.halpern@senate.ga.gov.

Sen. Jason Esteves represents the 6th Senate District which includes portions of Cobb and Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at 404.463.1562 or by email at Jason.esteves@seante.ga.gov.