OKEECHOBEE – Okeechobee County Commissioners passed a resolution in support of Israel at their Dec. 12 meeting. Clerk of Courts Jerry Bryant and his wife, Carole,  requested the resolution at the commission's Nov. 9 meeting. “On Saturday, October 7, 2023, the militant terrorist organization Hamas launched attacks from Gaza against Israeli border communities and as of Nov. 6, 2023, have resulted in 10,000 deaths including women and children, have injured thousands more, have taken at least 236 people as hostages, and have destroyed homes and businesses,” the proclamation states.

“At least 22 U.S. citizens have died because of these attacks in Israel, and President Biden has confirmed that American citizens are among those taken hostage by Hamas,” the proclamation continues. “Alongside many other cities, counties, and states across the nation, and countries throughout the world, Okeechobee County declares that there is no place for terroristic violence in our world and condemns the violent actions of Hamas perpetrated against Israel and its citizens; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Okeechobee County Board of County Commissioners, that Okeechobee County hereby stands in support of Israel and honor the lives lost in the recent deadly attacks by Hamas militants.”

“It is certainly a great cause we are in support of,” said Commission Chair David Hazellief. “I think the majority of all Americans support this. We stand behind our friends.”

Mrs. Bryant said she is proud of the commission for issuing this proclamation. “We are a little community, but we have to stand up for what is right,” she said. “When you stand up for what is right, it may inspire someone else to stand up for what is right as well.”