Photo: Kena Betancur / Getty Images News / Getty Images
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has ordered that flags across the state be flown at half-staff. This order comes as the state pays tribute to those who lost their lives in recent events in Israel and the Middle East.
“We will continue to stand with the people of Israel in this dark hour,” declared Governor Murphy in a statement issued on Monday. He emphasized that New Jersey is home to one of the largest Jewish and Israeli-American communities in the world, making this tragedy hit close to home for many residents.
Governor Murphy’s statement was not only one of solidarity but also of mourning. “We mourn for the victims and their families,” he said, expressing the deep sorrow felt by many in the state. The Governor also took a firm stance against violence, stating, “we unequivocally condemn all acts of terrorism against innocent civilians.” Murphy added “We pray for peace and security for all of the people of the region."
Flags throughout the Garden State will remain at half mast through Friday, October 13th.