Gavin Newsom says he found ‘profound sense of resilience’ during surprise Israel trip

Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

NEWSOM VISITS ISRAEL

Today, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is in China, where he is meeting with Chinese Communist Party leaders to secure agreements to curb climate change.

On his way, Newsom made an unannounced visit to Israel, where he spoke with survivors of Hamas’ bloody Oct. 7 attack, as well as family members of those who were kidnapped by that organization.

“I listened to the grief and terror in a mother’s voice as she spoke about her son — a Californian right now being held hostage in Gaza — whose arm was blown off by a terrorist’s grenade. I hugged a girl — another Californian, born in Los Angeles — who was shot in the leg by Hamas and left for dead, in truly horrific conditions,” Newsom said in a statement.

Newsom said that he met with families in mourning and soldiers “fresh from bomb shelters and battlefields,” as well as “leaders who bear the responsibility of response to it all.”

Newsom said that what he saw was “a profound sense of resilience” as well as a commitment to community and common purpose.

“That’s the Israeli spirit. And it’s also the California spirit. We are bound by more than those who live one place or another, or who have family here or there,” the governor said.

CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS CHASTISE NEWSOM FOR CHINA VISIT

Speaking of Newsom’s visit to China, California’s Republican congressional delegation isn’t happy about it.

Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Rocklin, shared a letter on X, formerly known as Twitter, signed by the entire California delegation, criticizing Newsom for ignoring China’s genocidal treatment of Uyghur Muslims and Tibetans, as well as the country’s role in supplying fentanyl precursors.

The GOP lawmakers pointed out that Newsom’s visit to Hong Kong will put him in close proximity to journalists and protesters being prosecuted for speaking out against the CCP.

The letter urged Newsom to confront China about its genocidal policies, and to speak up against the nation’s failure to take action against fentanyl manufacturers, whose product has killed thousands of Californians.

“Given your refusal to discuss human rights and the fentanyl crisis with the CCP, we do not see how this trip will benefit Californians. We call on you to cancel your trip,” the letter concludes.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We’ve wasted two weeks without passing anything that will help America. I know my constituents expect us to find a way to get our work done, so that has and will continue to be my priority.”

- Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona, via X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

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