I recently traveled to Israel with several of my colleagues in the S.C. General Assembly on an Israeli-government-sponsored trip along with 250 legislators from every state in the nation. It was the largest delegation of its kind, and described by the moniker, “50 States for One Israel.”
Although I am Jewish, I had not been to Israel in more than 35 years, so this trip felt as if it were my first, similar to the experience felt by most of my colleagues who had never been to Israel. It was a meaningful and impactful trip, and I would recommend that others visit this beautiful country with its rich history and culture.
All attendees toured the Old City of Jerusalem including the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. We visited Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center), the Knesset (Israel’s unicameral legislature) and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed us with an impassioned speech, while President Isaac Herzog hosted a state dinner where he addressed the delegation and responded to questions from the floor.
We spoke to the victims and communities impacted by Oct. 7 and visited the Nova Music Festival Memorial site where hundreds of Israelis were brutally murdered two years ago. We were able to see firsthand the effects of the unspeakable act of barbarism when Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel, murdering more than a thousand innocent men, women and children — families slaughtered in their homes, young people massacred and entire communities shattered in an instant. It was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and its horror still reverberates through their and our hearts and consciences. Two years later, these wounds remain deep.
We commemorated the victims by participating in a memorial and tree-planting ceremony in the city of Ofakim, one of the targets of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. Planting trees in Israel is a long-cherished tradition deep-rooted in Jewish history and culture. The act symbolizes growth, renewal and the enduring connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel. I remember fondly as a child when trees were planted to recognize someone special or a special event or planted in someone’s memory, so I was grateful when I had the opportunity to do it personally. It was an important event. As one state senator remarked, “We are weaving together two powerful stories, the enduring strength of this land and the enduring friendship between nations and peoples.”
The activities culminated with a closing reception and remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. “The one partner we (the United States) have … is Israel,” he said. “It is a relationship like no other. Both of our nations were founded by those who were willing to risk their very lives for religious freedom … and to live with free speech and freedom of movement … and it is founded on a Judeo-Christian foundation that is unique to this incredible partnership we have.”
He reminded us that the courage and resilience of the Israeli people remain an inspiration to the world. Amid loss and fear, they have shown an unshakable commitment to life and to the democratic principles that define their nation. That strength is not only admirable — it is essential. Because when democracies such as Israel are attacked by terror, the fight is not theirs alone; it is a fight for every nation that cherishes liberty and human life.
Yet even as Israel defends itself, we have witnessed a troubling rise in antisemitism across the globe — including here in our own communities. Calls for the destruction of Israel are disguised as political expression. This resurgence of hate is a painful reminder that antisemitism is not a relic of the past. It is a present danger that must be confronted with moral clarity and courage. And we cannot allow moral confusion to obscure the truth. There is no equivalence between a democratic nation defending its citizens and a terrorist organization that hides behind civilians while seeking to destroy them.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, let us reaffirm our commitment to Israel’s right to exist in peace and security. Let us honor the memory of the victims by refusing to be silent in the face of hate. And let us continue to stand with our democratic allies, united by our shared belief in freedom, human dignity and the enduring strength of the human spirit.
Beth Bernstein represents Richland County in the S.C. House, where she serves as co-chair and a founding member of the S.C. Israel Caucus. She is the only Jewish member of the Legislature.