South Dakota’s congressional delegation say they support Israel in its response to Hamas attacks earlier in October.
Some Native American protestors see historical similarities in that response.
On Wednesday, South Dakota US Sen. John Thune described the attacks as “barbaric and brutal.”
The number-two Republican in the Senate calls Hamas’s attacks “despicable” and “violations of humanity.”
“As we think about how to respond, clearly the Israelis can’t abide having a terrorist organization living right on their border. Hamas has to be eliminated," Thune said. "We should aid and support, as much as possible, the Israelis and they endeavor to do just that.”
Hamas’s Oct. 7 attack resulted in the death of 1,400 Israelis and over 200 hostages. Israeli retaliations on the Gaza strip have led to the death of 7,000 Palestinians.
Others from South Dakota see the response by Israel differently.
About two dozen people in Rapid City gathered outside the federal court building downtown to express calls to “Free Palestine.”
Among attendees Sunday afternoon include Madonna Thunder Hawk, a longtime activist and organizer. She led movements to occupy Alcatraz in the 1970s and opposing the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016.
Thunder Hawk draws a parallel between American Indian Movement activism, the Northern Ireland conflict and Palestine—indigenous struggle against occupying forces.
“It’s an ongoing concern and issue," Thunder Hawk said. "It’s landback for any indigenous people regardless, on this planet. The issues are the same when it comes to landback. It’s ongoing.”
Last week, both the US House and Senate passed resolutions expressing support for Israel.
