Indian Americans rally in support of Israel after Hamas' surprise attacks

File Photo/AFP

Prominent Indian Americans, including two Republican presidential contenders, Nikki Haley and Vivek Ramaswamy, have shown their support for Israel in the wake of the most significant escalations in decades in the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted numerous airstrikes targeting Hamas' key infrastructure, resulting in approximately 1,000 confirmed deaths. Earlier Hamas launched a series of rocket attacks on southern Israel, causing over 600 casualties, including soldiers, and injuring more than 1,900.

Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley stressed the importance of standing with Israel due to the shared opposition from groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and their Iranian backers. She emphasized the need for unity and support, stating that what happened to Israel could potentially occur in America.

Haley, in a social media post, urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to "finish them (Hamas)."

Hamas is a militant group that has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007, a densely populated territory surrounded by Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea.

Haley highlighted her past efforts to denounce Hamas while serving as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and emphasized the importance of not yielding to international pressure when it comes to defending Israel's interests.

Vivek Ramaswamy, another Indian American Republican candidate, pointed out that the attack on Israel should serve as a lesson for the United States regarding the need to secure its own borders. He drew parallels between the situation in Israel and the challenges faced by the U.S. along its southern border and emphasized the importance of border defense and other security measures.

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Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of the U.S. India Strategic and Partnership Forum (USISPF), expressed solidarity with Israel, displaying the Indian flag alongside an "I stand with Israel" message on a social media platform.

Indian American community leader Bharat Barai strongly condemned Hamas and Hezbollah as barbaric terrorist organizations and supported Israel's right to defend itself against their attacks.

Community leader Ajay Jain Bhutoria described the attacks by Hamas on Israel as "horrific" and expressed support for Israel's right to self-defense while also highlighting the importance of protecting innocent civilian lives on both sides.

Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi affirmed the United States' unequivocal support for Israel's right to defend itself against terror attacks.

Congressman Ro Khanna expressed his solidarity with Israel in the face of "inhuman and appalling" attacks by Hamas, emphasizing his support for the Israeli people during this challenging time.

Dr. Ami Bera, another Indian American Congressman, strongly condemned the terrorist attack by Hamas and stressed the importance of the United States standing with Israel to protect its sovereignty.

Congressman Thanedar emphasized the need for Congress to rally behind Israel until the threat is addressed and security is restored.

The Indian American community, through its influential figures and leaders, stood firmly with Israel and called for an end to the violence and protection of innocent lives.