I am honored to share my reflections on my recent mission to Israel and the Gaza border. I embarked on a 40-hour fact-finding journey, along with fellow legislators and educators, to witness the realities on the ground and connect with those impacted by the recent attack. On my return, many have asked how the trip was. My response is simple: It was meaningful. The journey may have been emotionally taxing, but it fuels my commitment to leveraging our collective strength to build a world where no one has to endure the horrors of terrorism.

World events leave indelible marks on generations. Our grandparents recall Pearl Harbor, while my generation has its own unforgettable day, 9/11. The U.S. united against evil, condemning the cowardly attack. Fast forward to October 7, Israel faced a similar evil from Hamas terrorists. Like the U.S. on 9/11, Israel set aside political differences, uniting against terror with calls of “never again” and “bring them home now.” The comparisons underscore the universality of the struggle against terror.

Stepping out of Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, I boarded our bus, not exactly knowing what to expect but knowing it would be somber. Near Gaza, we traversed the once-vibrant cities of Kfar Aza and Ofakim, where Hamas unleashed its evil on innocent civilians. Echoes of bombs, the acrid smell of gunpowder lingering in the air, and the haunting aftermath of the Israeli lives lost were stark reminders of the harsh realities faced by those living in Israel amidst a constant threat of annihilation by its neighbors.

We then continued to Jerusalem, visiting Israeli-Arab leaders reconciling their faith and the desire to uplift their people with the atrocities committed by Hamas. Those moments provided a glimpse into the internal struggles within that community of the challenges of finding common ground in pursuing peace. Visiting Israeli leaders, we observed their dedication to bringing the hostages home while nurturing the potential for peaceful coexistence. As a Superintendent of Schools, I recognize the transformative potential of education. Touring the Jewish-Arab school Hand in Hand inspires hope by promoting harmony among its student communities; bringing diverse children together, while not necessarily the solution, is perhaps a step In the right direction.

We ended our short but powerful trip by heading to Tel Aviv to visit Hostage Square, a place where the families of the hostages and visitors from around the world who want to pay tribute gather. It is unsettling that a place with a name like this must even exist. Comforting parents grappling with the unfathomable loss of their children was both heart-wrenching and humbling. The resilience displayed by these families in the face of tragedy was a testament to the unwavering human spirit. In those moments, I remained quiet, reticent. Borrowing words from my rabbi, Rabbi Matthew Gerwitz of Temple B’nai Jeshurun, attending his own TBJ mission to Israel, “I was embarrassed as I am to say this publicly for the first time. I struggle to find something that has always come naturally to me, my sense of empathy. I became angry.” Anger, triggered by the acknowledgment of humans committing profoundly evil acts, stems from our compassion and the innate pursuit of justice and mercy. Confronting this darkness challenges our belief in humanity’s inherent goodness.

Now returned, the knowledge gained helps me raise awareness and educate my fellow assembly members and the public on these issues. In addition, I’m the primary sponsor of Assembly Resolution AR86, strongly supporting Israel against the terrorist attacks by Hamas. The resolution has bipartisan support, including Democrats Reginold Atkins, Garnet Hall and Gary Schaer, and Republican colleagues Mike Inganamort, John Azzariti, Erik Peterson, Jay Weber, Paul Kanitra and Dawn Fantasia. Together, we foster understanding, unity and peace as we advocate for the support of Israel. I have also co-sponsored assembly bills: A3558 (which establishes a State definition of antisemitism), A3560 (criminalizing false public alarms involving places of worship), and A3561 (establishing the crime of doxxing).

Despite objections to this trip by some groups, I am glad I went. Such visits, regardless of sponsorship, can provide valuable insights, contributing to a more informed opinion, and opposition to such a fact-finding trip contravenes our society’s fundamental freedom to inquire. Further, my colleagues and I certainly possess the intellectual capacity and moral compass to be trusted to discern facts from bias, firmly believing that observing unfiltered realities firsthand is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics of any conflict.

As a leader, my Jewish identity with a Hispanic perspective is an integral part of my existence, so that it will play an essential role in my legislative career. It will help shape how I govern as an assemblywoman for the 27th District. Embracing this identity will, I feel, help combat prejudice and will work toward dispelling ignorance and promoting understanding.

My commitment to Israel and peace remains unwavering. We must learn from these experiences, empathize with those suffering, and dedicate ourselves to pursuing a meaningful and permanent resolution to the conflict. Our shared humanity demands it, and our duty as stewards of justice compels us.

Assemblywoman Dr. Rosaura “Rosy” Bagolie’s (LD27) family history of resilience, escaping persecution as Dutch Jews to find refuge in the Dominican Republic, inspires her. Rosy brings a unique perspective to the legislative table—a Jewish-Latina immigrant whose family emigrated from the Dominican Republic to America to pursue a better life, chasing the American Dream. Her husband, Ricky, is an attorney, and together, they are blessed with three remarkable sons, one of whom plays goalie for Team Israel Lacrosse. They live in Livingston.