Newsom mourns ‘unspeakable tragedy’ as he concludes Israel visit

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) spent the day on Friday in Israel, where he met with families impacted by Hamas’s recent unprecedented attack on the country.

“As I reflect back on the extraordinary people I just met today in Israel, I am reminded of the deep connections between my home state and this country. A country that has faced many dark times before, and certainly is in one now,” Newsom said in a statement, following his visit.

“But amid this present struggle against terrorists are stories of unimaginable heroism — and unspeakable tragedy,” the governor added.

Newsom began his one-day trip — a surprise stop enroute to a climate-focused tour of China — by meeting with Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen in Tel Aviv.

The governor expressed California’s solidarity with the people of Israel, as well as his desire to ensure the safety and security of all civilians — both in Israel and in Gaza, a readout from his office stated.

He then visited Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center – Ichilov Hospital, where he received updates about the ongoing situation and met with wounded soldiers alongside Ronni Gamzu, the hospital’s CEO.  

Following the hospital visit, Newsom sat down with President Isaac Herzog and discussed California and Israel’s economic and cultural connections. The governor expressed his condolences to the president for the victims of Hamas’s terrorist attacks, the press readout stated.

Newsom’s second-to-last stop was at the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, where he had a private meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer.

His final meeting was with Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a Californian being held hostage by Hamas.

“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,” Newsom said his post-visit statement.

“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,” the governor continued.

He recounted a day of grieving with families in mourning, meeting with young soldiers and sitting down “with leaders who bear the responsibility of response to it all.”

In the face of horror, the governor noted, he observed “a profound sense of resilience” and commitment to the wider community during challenging times.

“That’s the Israeli spirit. And it’s also the California spirit,” Newsom said. “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.”

“So as I prepare to leave, I share these words: may the memory of those who perished be a blessing to the whole world,” the governor added.