From the Desk of New York State Senator Craig Johnson

Throughout its history, Israel has struggled against those who seek to destroy it and deny the Jewish people their rightful homeland. Israel is not only justified in defending itself against this most recent assault on its sovereignty and on its citizens, it is their obligation.

The recent terrorist attack on the Chabad House in Mumbai, India, and the resulting death of a New York-raised rabbi and his wife is one of many reminders that Jews remain a target in nearly every corner of the globe.

The Israeli people need to be able to fight back against those who are actively seeking to do them harm. This is especially true in regard to the repugnant tactics of Hamas militants who use their own people as human shields while firing rockets at Israeli targets.