Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (R) announced on Friday that Georgia purchased an additional $10 million in Israel bonds to support the country’s “defense efforts against the militant Hamas regime,” which began horrific surprise attacks against Israel last week.
Kemp announced the purchase on Friday morning in a press release that revealed $10 million “was the highest available on the market.” The latest buy brings Georgia’s total investment in Israel bonds to $25 million, and the governor noted Georgia has “purchased an aggregate of $50 million in bonds, with half the bonds now matured” since he took office.
“Israel is one of Georgia’s strongest allies and greatest friends, and our support for its people as they endure horrific attacks from terrorists is unwavering,” Kemp said in a statement. “Purchasing these bonds is just the latest expression of that support. Though this conflict was not of Israel’s choosing, we know they will be victorious in this fight against evil and those who seek its destruction.”
In a post announcing the investment on social media, Kemp wrote that “Israel is one of Georgia’s strongest allies and greatest friends” and said Georgia’s “support for its people as they endure terrorist attacks is unwavering.”
Israel is one of Georgia's strongest allies and greatest friends. Our support for its people as they endure terrorist attacks is unwavering.
I have instructed the State Treasurer to purchase $10M in Israeli bonds as they fight to defend their nation. 🇮🇱https://t.co/4getMKOFLy
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 13, 2023
The press release also noted that Kemp traveled to Israel in May with Georgia First Lady Marty Kemp and their family to lead an economic development trip where he met Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and other Israeli officials.
“In addition to these bonds and other measures of support,” said Kemp. “Marty and I also ask that our fellow Georgians join us in praying for Israel’s safety, for its swift victory, and for the families painfully impacted by the attacks.”
On Wednesday, Kemp signed an executive order requiring all United States and Georgia flags in the state to be flown at half-staff until sunset on October 14, “[a]s a mark of respect for those killed and injured by these barbaric attacks.”
As we continue to stand with and pray for the people of Israel, we're also mourning the loss of American citizens killed in the terrorist attacks.
I have ordered the U.S. flag and the flag of Georgia to fly at half-staff on state grounds and buildings until sunset on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/6lTgeERy5s
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 11, 2023
Beginning in 2021, the Georgia Legislature created legislation to prohibit Georgia from doing business with companies that boycott Israel. After Kemp signed the bill in 2022, any company that boycotts Israel and has more than five employees became prohibited from receiving a state contract.
Kemp said the law “pushes back against that shameful and inexcusable prejudice” against Israel and “reasserts that hatred has not place in Georgia.”
At least 2,800 people have reportedly died on both sides of the fighting in Israel and Gaza as of Friday. Israel urged 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza to evacuate on Friday, dropping leaflets in the northern part of the strip, ahead of a reported ground invasion, though it is not clear when Israel expects this offensive to commence.
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Tom Pappert is the lead reporter for The Georgia Star News and a reporter for the Arizona Sun Times. Follow Tom on X/Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Brian Kemp” by Brian Kemp.
