ATLANTA – State Representatives Lauren W. McDonald, III (R-Cumming) and Brent Cox (R-Dawsonville), along with members of the Georgia-Israel Legislative Caucus, yesterday held a “Bring Them Home” event at the State Capitol to raise awareness for individuals from Israel whose family members are currently being held hostage in Gaza.
“What is happening in Israel and within our Jewish communities in Georgia cannot continue to stand,” said Rep. McDonald. “It is imperative that members of Georgia’s Jewish communities know that Georgia stands with them in their efforts to reunite these hostages with their families. My colleagues and I vow to leave no stone unturned as we fight to protect and defend the rights and liberties of all Israelis and members of Jewish communities.”
“It is time that the state of Georgia and the United States make it known that we stand with Israel,” said Rep. Cox. “Violence and terror have invaded the lives of too many innocent people, and this cannot continue under any circumstance. We have a responsibility as leaders to show unwavering support to these hostages and their families, and we will stop at nothing to guarantee these hostages are returned home to the safety and security of their loved ones. The time to act is now, and our legislative body must work across both sides of the aisle to ensure the people of Israel and Georgia’s Jewish communities can find peace in knowing that they are supported during these unprecedented times.”
During the event, Consul General of Israel to the Southeastern United States, Anat Sultan-Dadon, gave remarks on the current known status of the hostages and stressed the importance of bringing them home to their families. Members of the Georgia-Israel Legislative Caucus also heard from a number of individuals whose family members are currently being held hostage by Hamas. Family members shared personal stories about their loved ones and gave detailed descriptions of the attacks that have taken place in Israel and Gaza.
A video recording of the “Bring Them Home” Event may be found here.
*Editor’s note: Photos from the “Bring Them Home” Event are attached.
Representative Lauren McDonald represents the citizens of District 26, which includes portions of Forsyth County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as one of the Governor’s Floor Leaders. He also serves on the Creative Arts & Entertainment, Game, Fish & Parks, Human Relations & Aging, Natural Resources & Environment, Regulated Industries and Transportation committees.
Representative Brent Cox represents the citizens of District 28, which includes portions of Forsyth and Hall counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee. He also serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs and Education committees.
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