Why did Governor Newsom Visit Israel?

Author’s note: This article is summarized from various sources, and attributions are linked within.

flag of IsraelPhoto byTaylor BrandononUnsplash

It may seem strange that California’s Governor Newsom headed to Israel, offering support and supplies, instead of focusing solely on his own state. California is the most populous state in the U.S. California with over 40 million people and accounts for 12% of the population of the whole country.

Since Newsom has stated publicly that he has no plans to run for president, one may wonder why he’s traveling to a country that’s in the middle of a war, a place where President Biden has also traveled to.

Per an MSN article, “Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) announced on Thursday that he is traveling to Israel to meet with war victims as the conflict in the Middle East continues to intensify. To quote Newsom, as posted on X, formerly Twitter, “I'm on my way to Israel…I'll be meeting with those impacted by the horrific terrorist attacks and offering California's support."

Newsom has been consistent, offering similar statements after the initial attach on October 7^th. “What we are witnessing is nothing short of horrific. Women, children — innocent people — being targeted with brutal acts of terrorism by Hamas. All on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War... I stand with Israel and its people in denouncing this horrific act of terrorism. We must demand an end to this violence — now."

Unfortunately, like many events, and specifically the Israel-Hamas war, this trip divided “Californians down the line. Palestine supporters held a sermon at the State Capitol before marching throughout Sacramento.”

Omar Altamimi, policy and advocacy coordinator of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Sacramento Valley/Central California was one of the protestors. He stated, “The governor of the state is meeting with the most right-wing and fascist government the Israel state has ever seen…So, we are here to stand up."

Protests were not limited to the Bay area or were only pro-Palestine. On October 19^th, 50 cars parked outside Kamala Harris’ house pushing for a ceasefire. These protesters were Jewish. They were not for Hamas, but called for “no war crimes in our name.”

Politics aside, there’s the matter of money. Some Californians are concerned that California funds are being spent in a foreign country. “The State of California is working to ship medical supplies to support humanitarian relief efforts in Israel and Gaza.” Thankfully, Newsom has increased security in CA “for places of worship in California, including $10 million to immediately increase the police presence at such places as mosques and synagogues.”

Post his Israel visit, after meeting with soldiers, survivors, and families of hostages, some from California, Newsom posted an emotional but strong statement that should reunite Californians whatever side they feel compelled to take in the war.

“Despite the horror, what I saw and heard from the people of Israel was a profound sense of resilience. A commitment to community and common purpose, especially in these most difficult of times.

“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. My heart is heavy for all innocent people under the crushing pressure of loss and grief, no matter which side of fence they quite literally find themselves on.”

It’s worth noting that Newsom is not the only Democratic official to visit Israel. Others include: Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).