Split on Israel, Hamas statements: Buncombe, Asheville lawmakers take different stances

State lawmakers representing Buncombe County have split on whether to support official statements backing Israel, leading to accusations of a failure to condemn "crimes against humanity" and lack of concern "for innocent Palestinian lives."

Following the Hamas incursion and slaughter of Israeli civilians, the North Carolina House issued a resolution offering support for Israel, while the N.C. Senate put out a longer statement of support, both coming Oct. 10, three days after the attack.

Rep. Caleb Rudow of North Asheville ― who said he's the only Jewish member of the House ― sponsored the resolution which was backed by 104 out of 120 members including Buncombe's two other House members and fellow Democrats Reps. Eric Ager of Fairview and Lindsey Prather of Candler. Twelve representatives abstained.

"The United States Congress is urged 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," it said in part.

Rudow, who lived in Israel briefly and has friends and family there, some involved in the conflict, said Oct. 16 he believed Israel had a right to "exist and protect itself."

"I believe that as a Jew and as an American. Hamas is a terrorist organization that is dedicated to the destruction of Israel and the destabilization of the Middle East. The horrendous murders it committed last week are the latest in a long line of hateful acts against the Jewish people," he said. "There are still 199 Israeli citizens held captive by Hamas and I pray for their release, the return of stability in Gaza, and an end to the war."

In the Senate, 46 of the 50 members, except four Democrats, including Julie Mayfield of West Asheville, signed on to that chamber's statement.

"It is fitting to honor those whose lives have been lost to barbaric and ongoing acts of violence by Hamas, to advocate and pray for the freedom and safety of those held hostage, to condemn the heinous acts of terror perpetrated by Hamas and to stand with the people of Israel," the statement said in part.

Asked for comment, Buncombe's other senator, Republican Warren Daniel of Morganton, referenced an Oct. 11 criticism he issued with fellow chairs of the Judiciary Committee, saying the the Democrats had "chosen to hide behind silence as the terrorist group Hamas commits crimes against humanity, including the execution of civilian hostages."

"How much more evil do they need to see before they denounce Hamas? Full unity around this issue allows us to send the strongest message of support for our ally Israel and opposition to barbaric violence being committed by Hamas," they said.

The chairs talked about the murder of hundreds of young people who attended a music festival. They also referenced the "beheading" of babies and "the murder and rape of women," atrocities that have been reported by some news outlets but for which there have been no publicly confirmed examples, according to Factcheck.org.

Mayfield and the other three senators in their own statement said the Republicans were making "a false and politically motivated assertion that the four of us support terrorist attacks."

She and Sens. Graig Meyer of Hillsborough, Mujtaba Mohammed of Charlotte and Natalie Murdock of Durham said they "condemn last weekend’s attacks on Israel by Hamas" and that "innocent Israeli and Palestinian civilians are suffering and dying due to the decisions and actions of those beyond their control.

"Our heartfelt sympathies go out to these families and to everyone impacted by these tragic events," they said in the Oct. 12 statement. "We ask our legislative colleagues to join us in calling for a swift end to the violence and a renewed commitment to peace and prosperity, both here and abroad. That is the legacy we want to leave for our children."

Reached Oct. 16, Mayfield continued to say the group's refusal was justified. "Many others, both nationally and internationally, are now expressing the concern for innocent Palestinian lives that we expressed last week," she said.

Asked about other Democrats' not backing the statements, Rudow, said he would refrain on "too much commentary."

"I believe their actions were not a lack of condemnation against Hamas but different thoughts on how a lasting peace will be created in Israel," he said. "I was frustrated to see Republicans use this moment not as a time to focus on what we can do for the people of Israel and Gaza who are suffering but to score some political points."

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Joel Burgess has lived in WNC for more than 20 years, covering politics, government and other news. He's written award-winning stories on topics ranging from gerrymandering to police use of force. Got a tip? Contact Burgess at jburgess@citizentimes.com, 828-713-1095 or on Twitter @AVLreporter. Please help support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Split on Israel-Hamas war statements; Asheville Buncombe lawmakers