"We pray for Israel and grieve during this tragic moment for Virginians, Americans, and for the world. Our hearts ache. Together, we stand strong against ruthless evil and stand always with Israel and the Jewish people who have shined as a bright light in the darkest of times." - Governor Glenn Youngkin

After the barbaric terrorist attack in Israel, Governor Glenn Youngkin met with the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater to discuss the work ahead of us to end antisemitism and reaffirm Virginia's commitment to standing with Israel. At a time when true evil presents itself, we must come together to reject hate in all forms.

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In celebration of "Day of the Girl" earlier this week, First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin highlighted important resources and nonprofits from a recent Sisterhood reception held in Richmond, VA. Sisterhood gatherings are a staple in the Strengthen the Spirit of Women+girls (W+g) initiative and serve as important opportunities for women and organizations to join in fellowship and a shared commitment to uplifting and supporting women and girls in behavioral health/wellbeing & workforce preparedness. Richmond's gathering included over 100 women and more than a dozen organizations dedicated to adequate healthcare, safe places to heal physically and emotionally, quality early childhood education and enrichment programs, support for victims of domestic violence, advocacy rights, free athletic shoes, and more. As a special treat, Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera joined us to speak about education in the Commonwealth. The First Lady remains steadfast in commitment to supporting and especially to celebrating – women and girls!

The First Lady also participated in plans to launch a new joint effort between her office, the Petersburg Blandford Academy, Petersburg's Communities in Schools (CIS), the Petersburg Women's Club, and a small group of volunteers to bring to life the "Girls with Pearls" program. This novel program is built on the premise that sixth-grade learners benefit from engagement with mentors, and mentors are equally blessed by spending time with inquisitive young girls. Girls with Pearls is designed around once-monthly gatherings at which socializing and engaging on health and wellbeing topics merge. At the end of the school year, those girls who complete the program will be awarded a strand of pearls — a symbol of solidarity and sisterhood.

With less than one month until Election Day, Governor Youngkin is traveling across Virginia, rallying with candidates for the House and Senate and encouraging Virginians to vote early through Secure Your Vote Virginia and vote Republican in the upcoming General Assembly elections.

In the past week, Youngkin marched in the Glen Allen Day parade with Senator Siobhan Dunnavant, attended the Prince George Ruritan Shrimp Fest with Delegate Kim Taylor, rallied alongside Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears at the Prince William County GOP BBQ, and joined Delegate Karen Greenhalgh, Kevin Adams, and Andy Pittman to get-out-the-vote with the Filipino American Community in Virginia Beach!

There is still time to make sure your voice is heard before Election Day. Go to www.secureyourvotevirginia.com to secure YOUR vote today!