VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Gov. Glenn Youngkin met with leaders of the Jewish community in Hampton Roads on Wednesday as the conflict in Israel and Palestine continues.
The meeting happened at a location in Virginia Beach, though it was not revealed due to safety concerns. Reporters weren't allowed inside the meeting, either, but there was a heavy law enforcement presence in the area.
After the meeting, the governor made himself available for the media. He referred to Hamas' attack on Israel as a "barbaric act of terrorism." He said the basic theme of the meeting with Jewish leaders was a sense of grief over what has happened in Israel. He also said there was an expression of fear.
"Fear not just for what has happened to the loved ones and friends and family in Israel, but also a real sense of fear here in the United States, and even in Virginia," Youngkin said.
Youngkin said he's working with law enforcement and synagogues across the state to prevent acts of violence. He also said that any act of antisemitism or any act of hate against any group will be condemned.
He said he's also been in touch with leaders in the Muslim community in Virginia.
"I have very, very close relationships with leadership from the Muslim community and they, first, have expressed quickly a condemnation for this violence," Youngkin said. "And then second of all, a desire to make sure that we're coordinated, so that there aren't any acts of violence against their houses of worship, either. This is a moment for us to come together as Virginians."
Gov. Youngkin said President Joe Biden stood strong in his message for his support of Israel.
"I thought his statement of condemnation and wholehearted support was not only appropriate but necessary," Youngkin said. "America has to lead here and stand up for a brother, a true brother. This is what we do when we see an Israel that is threatened. We stand with Israel and it's an unbreakable bond that should never ever, ever be questioned."
News 3 has been working to find a member of the local Palestinian community to share their response to the conflict in the Middle East.
News 3 spoke to one member of Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) at the College of William and Mary. They said there has been concern and reluctance to express their viewpoint on the rights of Palestinians. The students said they too are concerned for the safety of their members.
In a written statement from the SJP at William and Mary, they said they feel Youngkin and other politicians "have shown greater concern towards the preservation of the state of Israel than the actual safety of Jewish people." The statement went on to say , "Youngkin has also failed to address attacks committed by the Israeli government against Jews, Christians and Muslims alike living in Israel."
The SJP statement also said, "The Governor has failed to denounce war crimes committed by Israeli Defense Forces against Palestinians. This includes using chemical weapons like white phosphorus in the Gaza strip, bombing hospitals, destroying United Nations schools, and demolishing civilian homes in Gaza and the West Bank. The 16-year blockade on Gaza, which has been internationally condemned, has resulted in the cutting of access to water, electricity, and medical aid for Palestinians in this dire time. Since Saturday, 300 Palestinian children have been killed in Israeli bombing raids in Gaza. How are these developments not worthy of mention by the Governor?"
