by Daniel Stefanski | May 12, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Two Arizona legislators are united in their disappointment with President Biden’s latest action with America’s ally Israel.
Last week, President Joe Biden told a national television anchor that he “made it clear [to Israel], if they go into Rafah, I’m not supplying the weapons that have been used historically to deal with Rafah, to deal with the cities – that deal with that problem.” Biden added that his administration was “walking away from Israel’s ability to wage war in those areas.”
The president’s comments were roundly condemned in the aftermath. As was repeatedly highlighted by many around the country, Israel has only taken military action in Gaza due to a horrific terrorist attack from Hamas that murdered and brutalized hundreds of innocent men, women, and children.
Arizona State Senate Pro Tempore T.J. Shope, a Republican, reacted to the news from the White House, writing, “This news is 100% complete and utter bullshit. You have Israeli and American blood on your hands President Biden”
Arizona State Representative Alma Hernandez added, “We cannot say we support Israel and then pull back when it comes to supply what is needed to fight this war. I’m not only concerned but very disappointed in this decision. What happened to unequivocally standing with our strongest ally? Do not forget that we still have American citizens being held by terrorist organizations in tunnels. This must be fixed immediately, or we are putting the strong US and Israel relationship in Jeopardy.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Corinne Murdock | Mar 14, 2024 | News
By Corinne Murdock |
State Rep. Alma Hernandez (D-LD03) says she won’t relent in her support of Israel following criticisms of her arranging a bipartisan trip to Israel last week.
Hernandez, who is a Zionist, also debunked claims by certain outlets that the trip was taxpayer-funded, a vacation of sorts, and an impetus to the regular procession of the legislature. Hernandez said that the trip was a means to understanding the ongoing conflict sparked by the Hamas terrorist attack last October: meeting with the families of Israeli and Arabic hostage victims as well as fallen soldiers, and consulting with Palestinians living in Israel.
“It is absurd to suggest we have somehow paused our state government or blew up a budget when committees continued,” said Hernandez. “Some of you forget that you can’t negotiate a budget that is NOT on the table or has never started.”
Hernandez said that the trip gave her greater determination to fight antisemitism and “the one-sided media view.” The lawmaker speculated that the focus on her trip was rooted in “the antisemitism that is plaguing [Arizona].”
As Arizona Agenda reported, no senators attended the trip, paid for by itrek (Israel Trek), a New York-based nonprofit bringing graduate business, law, policy, and STEM students to Israel.
Seven Democrats and 10 Republicans joined the delegation: Reps. Conseulo Hernandez (D-LD21), Lydia Hernandez (D-LD24), Christopher Mathis (D-LD18), Keith Seaman (D-LD16), Seth Blattman (D-LD09), Michael Carbone (R-LD25), Neal Carter (R-LD15), Alex Kolodin (R-LD03), Justin Wilmeth (R-LD02), Quang Nguyen (R-LD01), Michele Pena (R-LD23), David Cook (R-LD07), David Livingston (R-LD28), Majority Leader Leo Biasucci (R-LD30), Minority Whip Nancy Gutierrez (D-LD18), and House Speaker Ben Toma (R-LD27).
Toma told the outlet in a statement that the Israel trip benefitted Arizonans, as the state has economic interests in the nation’s welfare.
“We have a trade office in Israel. We have clear economic reasons to be interested in what happens there,” said Toma. “This is not my first trip. As a matter of fact, that’s gonna be my third trip to Israel, for different reasons. So again, we have our interests.”
Arizona and Israel are considered top trading partners. Three of Arizona’s exported goods account for 73 percent of all exports to Israel according to the Arizona Commerce Authority: $135 million in semiconductors and other electronic components, $125 million in aerospace products and parts, and $26 million in navigational, measuring, electromedical and control instruments.
Arizona opened its first trade and investment office in Israel in 2019.
The bipartisan Arizona delegation visited the Knesset and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for a briefing on the ongoing conflict.
Rep. David Livingston (R-LD28) also voiced his support for Israel and Hernandez’s trip.
State Sen. Anthony Kern (R-LD27) attempted to prevent the trip from occurring, citing concerns that the lawmakers were improperly wasting valuable legislative session time. He helped defeat a House motion to adjourn so that the 17 lawmakers could make their Israel trip.
Kern claimed a lobbyist paid for the trip, an accusation which Hernandez denied.
Last December, pro-Hamas activists passed out flyers with Hernandez’s home address near and around her neighborhood. The retaliation occurred after Hernandez refused to support a ceasefire, asserting that she and others who signed onto the anti-ceasefire statement wouldn’t be “negotiating with terrorists” at any point in time.
Hernandez is on the board of directors for Democratic Majority for Israel.
Corinne Murdock is a reporter for AZ Free News. Follow her latest on Twitter, or email tips to corinne@azfreenews.com.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 17, 2024 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A bipartisan Second Amendment bill is making its way through the Arizona Legislature this session.
Earlier this week, HB 2617 cleared the Arizona House Committee on Military Affairs and Public Safety (MAPS). The proposal, which was sponsored by State Representative Alma Hernandez, would “lower thresholds for the juvenile restoration of firearm rights subsequent to a juvenile felony criminal conviction,” according to the overview provided by the Arizona House.
In a statement on the platform “X,” Hernandez said, “It was a super long day, but tonight, my bill, HB2617, passed out of committee! This bill will give youth the ability to destroy their juvenile record at 18 for most offenses; for other offenses, at the age of 25- it would allow youth who complete their court consequence proceedings to enter adulthood without the stigma of their past indiscretions.”
Representative Hernandez, a Democrat, added, “Currently, courts are denying the request of many 18 y/o to destroy their juvenile records because they are not eligible to have their gun rights restored at 18. This language has been confusing for years. Big thanks to 2 of my friends and juvenile public defenders who came to support and testify! It’s time to fix it. Thanks to all who supported me!”
The Arizona House Democrats Caucus “X” account also noted the achievement, writing, “Congratulations to Rep. Alma Hernandez for HB 2617 passing the Military Affairs & Public Safety Committee this evening! On to the Floor soon.”
The bill passed out of the MAPS Committee with a 13-1 vote. One member voted “Present” on the legislation.
On the State Legislature’s Request to Speak system, representatives from Stand for Children, Arizona Veterans, Pima County, and Arizona LeadingAge registered their support for the bill, while a representative from Arizona National Organization for Women registered in opposition.
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Feb 8, 2024 | Education, News
By Daniel Stefanski |
A key reporting deadline for Arizona schools is being extended.
Earlier this week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne announced “an extension of the deadline to February 23 for schools to report their compliance with the current law that requires Holocaust education in public schools.”
The law “requires students to receive instruction in the Holocaust and other genocides at least once in middle school and once in high school.”
In a statement to accompany the announcement, Horne said, “Since we first requested that schools attest to their compliance with the state mandate for Holocaust education for middle and high school students, we have received many responses, but not all districts and charters have replied. Arizona law is clear that this is a requirement for middle and high school students. As Superintendent, I have the legal authority to make sure that laws pertaining to education in Arizona are being followed. Therefore, my enforcement action will be that for the online ADE School Report Card we will indicate in red letters any school’s failure to respond to the Holocaust education verification by February 23.”
Not only is Horne extending the deadline for schools to report compliance with the law, but he is hoping state legislators and the governor are able to strengthen the statute for future students. His press release noted that two lawmakers – Representatives David Marshall and Alma Hernandez – have embarked on a bipartisan mission to pass a bill that would “require students in grades 7-12 to twice complete a three-day program on the Holocaust and other genocides.”
Horne also addressed this development in his release, saying, “After the horrific events of October 7, there was a one-sided pro-Hamas presentation at Desert Mountain High School that produced antisemitism among students and made Jewish students uncomfortable and fearful. If Holocaust studies are presented, students will be less gullible to antisemitic presentations and this legislation will strengthen that effort. I am grateful to Representatives Hernandez and Marshall for their bipartisan work to strengthen this law.”
The law giving the state’s schools chief authority to require the information from Arizona schools was HB 2241, which was passed by the legislature and signed into law by then-Governor Doug Ducey in 2021. The bill was sponsored by Alma Hernandez, a Democrat. It passed both chambers with almost unanimous support. Ducey, in his letter to then-Secretary of State Katie Hobbs, informed her that he was signing the legislation to “ensure that we continue to teach our students the history of past atrocities, which in return will instill greater compassion, critical thinking, societal awareness, and educational growth in our students.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Daniel Stefanski | Oct 10, 2023 | News
By Daniel Stefanski |
Arizona elected officials stood with Israel after the American ally suffered a shocking and horrific terrorist attack late last week.
After Israel was attacked by Hamas terrorists on Friday night (Arizona time), state politicians offered their thoughts, prayers, and messages of unwavering support for the Middle Eastern democracy.
Governor Katie Hobbs wrote, “I condemn the horrific terrorist attack on Israel by Hamas. Arizona stands with the people of Israel and supports their right to self defense. My heart breaks for the families of those who have been killed, injured or captured.”
Attorney General Kris Mayes stated, “Deeply shocked and heartbroken by today’s terrible Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. My heart goes out to the families mourning their lost loved ones. Arizona stands resolutely in support of Israel.”
Secretary of State Adrian Fontes added, “This has been a tough day for the world. I unequivocally condemn today’s terrorist attacks in Israel and am thinking of the victims and their loved ones. Every nation should have the right to defend itself. Democracy must be protected wherever it is in jeopardy.”
Treasurer Kimberly Yee also weighed in, saying, “I stand with Israel. The United States has enjoyed a longtime friendship and allied relationship with Israel, a shining light of democracy in the Middle East. As a former State Senate Majority Leader and now as Arizona Treasurer, I have fought against BDS efforts to boycott and harm Israel. Please join me in praying for protection over the people of Israel against these evil Hamas terrorist attacks. May God bless the United States and Israel.”
Many members of Arizona’s Legislature also shared their solidarity with Israel over the weekend.
Senate President Warren Petersen spoke for his Republican conference, stating, “Arizona Senate Republicans stand in support of Israel, one of our nation’s most important allies. We strongly condemn the horrific violence happening against innocent Israeli civilians and Americans. We send prayers for strength, courage and comfort as the Israeli people battle against pure evil.”
Representative Alma Hernandez wrote, “While I don’t post during Shabbat I must break that today. Israel is at war and my heart is breaking for what is happening and unfolding there. Innocent Israelis murdered, walking on the streets, elderly being murdered while waiting at bus stops, women and children being kidnapped, raped and murdered on video. All while Palestinian terrorist are celebrating on the streets. I can’t believe this is happening today. My heart is shattered.”
Arizona Senate Pro Tempore, T.J. Shope, expressed his prayers for the American ally.
Representative Consuelo Hernandez said, “Praying for the people of Israel who were infiltrated by Hamas terrorist. So many more Israelis will be killed for the simple reason of being Jewish and existing. You are not alone. The world is watching.”
Representative Jacqueline Parker praised Israeli leadership and response to the attacks, saying, “At least there’s one righteous super power left in the world with competent leadership. I pray for Israel’s safety & swift victory.”
Representative Seth Blattman added, “This is a horrifying surprise attack on the people of Israel. I stand with Israel as it defends itself against Hamas in this ongoing assault.”
Other municipal and county officials also issued their own statements in reaction to the events from the weekend.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego posted, “I’m proud to stand with Israel and condemn Hamas’s attacks on innocent people in the strongest terms. Here in Phoenix, our police are stepping up patrols near synagogues – and our hearts are with our many friends throughout Israel.”
Representative Alexander Kolodin recognized the increased security provided by Phoenix law enforcement, stating, “Grateful to the Phoenix Police for this extra degree of vigilance. We American Jews are tremendously luck to live in a country where officers of every faith are willing to risk their lives to protect our ability to worship freely.”
Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell also shared her prayers for Israel.
Peoria Mayor Jason Beck told AZ Free News that “Israel is a home away from home for me and my family. It has a sacred history and is one of the few places in the region that respects the personal beliefs of their citizens. I’m both saddened and angry at what these acts of terrorism have done to the people of Israel. I am taking action by sending body armor to Israel for the protection of the brave soldiers who will defend their homeland and our Western values. The Biden administration should be ashamed of their recent actions that opened up funding to Iran. Iran is who has openly trained and funded Hamas and other affiliates that don’t recognize Israel’s right to exist. They seek to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. I stand with the men and women of Israel in this fight and pray that God will protect their homeland.”
Daniel Stefanski is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
