Lake County Gazette

State Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) is questioning the state's Democrats for their lack of enthusiasm in supporting the Israeli effort in the wake of Oct. 7’s terrorist attack by Hamas.

McLaughlin expressed concerns about the lack of a statement condemning the Hamas terrorist organization's actions.

“We took to the House floor today without a statement from the majority party condemning the Hamas terrorist organization for their despicable acts of violence and murder against innocent Israelis and at least 33 Americans,” McLaughlin said in a press release.

“I am amazed at the number of Legislators signing on to a letter filled with moral equivocation and veiled hatred that should be unacceptable and disqualifying to serve in this Chamber. It’s completely shocking to witness many Democrats openly falling in line with the Progressive pablum destroying our great nation.”

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, 10 members of the Illinois House of Representative and six in the State Senate signed a letter noting the attack from Hamas on Israeli civilians stemmed from “inequality.”

“We will not be able to achieve peace when millions of Palestinians are denied basic human rights. We urge the United States and the international community to work toward long-term solutions that end the inequality that is at the root cause of the violence,” the letter reads in part.

McLaughlin’s remarks came after State Rep. Brad Halbrook filed HR 449, condemning the attacks by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians.

“The horrific evil unleashed on the Israeli people by Hamas must never happen again. Americans should stand by Israel against terrorists who want to end the Jewish state. I hope the legislature can come together this week and pass this resolution unanimously.”

The resolution recognizes Israel's right to defend itself and bring an end to Hamas.  

There have been many noted instances of left-wing organizations endorsing Hamas' terrorist actions, illustrating a change in their approach to the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Public recently explored the shift in support for Hamas among some segments of the radical Left, attributing it to a perceived sense of privilege, coddling and narcissism, marking a departure from their historical stance on peace and anti-militarism.

Following the attacks, BLM Chicago posted a graphic of a hang gliding militant, a nod to how many of the terrorists entered Israeli territory with the caption, “I stand with Palestine.”

BLM Chicago later partially walked back the controversial post celebrating Hamas' actions in Israel, acknowledging that the deleted graphic wasn't something they were proud of.

This came as BLM Global Network Foundation distanced itself from the Chicago chapter and BLM Grassroots, which faced criticism for posts related to the Hamas attack, was accused of glorifying the terrorists.