NEWS UPDATE FROM STATE REPRESENTATIVE DAVID GOMBERG: To See for Myself

By Representative David Gomberg, House District 10

9/22/2025

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

It seems we live in times where there is so much information, it is hard to discern what is real and what is not. Our emotions are no longer driven by facts. And we struggle to find some reliable version of the truth.Seeking a better understanding of the truth, this past week, I traveled to Israel as part of a bipartisan delegation of 250 legislators from across the U.S. This trip came during a time of profound conflict, crisis, and uncertainty. Before I agreed to participate, I made clear to the organizers that my attendance did not constitute an endorsement of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government. I am troubled, as are many of you, by the October 7 attacks and Israel’s continuing response to them.

But why did I actually go to Israel? I went to see for myself.

I went to gain a deeper understanding of this conflict and to have candid conversations with Israel’s leaders. I went to see the horrors of the Hamas-instigated October 7th attacks and understand the thinking of Israelis – Jews and Palestinians – who both support and oppose their government’s response. I needed to ask tough questions about the conflict, about humanitarian assistance, and ultimately, how this tragedy can end.

The suffering in Gaza is unimaginable, as is the suffering of the families of the October 7 victims and hostages. Tens of thousands of innocent people, including children, have been killed or displaced. Families have been torn apart, and entire communities destroyed. This violence must end, and we must work toward a lasting peace.

I often engage with people whose views are very different from mine. Listening and asking questions isn’t a sign of agreement – it’s a way to build understanding and find a path forward, even when the issues are deeply painful and divisive. Seeing for yourself, talking to people face-to-face, speaking truth to power, is a necessary step toward resolution – even when it entails some personal or political risk.

No Oregon or U.S. tax funds were used for this trip.

As I have said publicly, I was not there to support what’s going on. I was there to better understand what’s going on. I know Oregonians have strong opinions about this, so they deserve to have legislators who care enough about the facts and care about the people enough to try to learn more. Outside of the itinerary organized by the Israeli government, I met with local Israelis who disagree with their government’s actions. I told the media, “Certainly the government of Israel has an agenda, but that doesn’t mean it’s my agenda. I think it’s time for this conflict to end, and I’m trying to better understand why it’s continuing.”

You know who doesn’t get that level of engagement? The person who doesn’t show up.

When Oregon was considering expansion of the Port of Coos Bay to accommodate more container shipping from Asia, and my constituents wanted me to better understand the challenges and opportunities, I went to Taiwan to speak with shipping companies and government officials involved in trade relations with Oregon.

When the federal government proposed the siting of offshore wind turbines on the Oregon Coast, and my constituents wanted me to better understand the challenges and opportunities, I went to Scotland to speak to industry leaders, stakeholders, and government officials to learn more about how that process worked out for them there.

I went to Senator Wyden’s Town Hall and was struck by how many people had strong feelings about Gaza and Israel. And so, when my constituents have asked me the same questions, I went to Israel to better understand why this conflict hasn’t ended.

Susie and I did a lot of soul searching about this trip. A lot. Senator Merkley, who had just visited the area, was kind enough to call and share his thoughts.

I have followed events in Israel and Palestine for more than 50 years and actually wrote my master’s thesis on the then-new presence of regional terrorism back in 1976. I have Israeli and Palestinian friends. I care very much about what is going on, and if called on to act, I want to get it right.

I also saw the importance of Oregon being represented in this all-state delegation. Many of us don’t realize that there are more than 700,000 US citizens now living in Israel

These legislative investigations are critical for me to get perspectives beyond what I read on the internet or see during the 24-hour news cycle.

If you are one of those who oppose current Israeli policy, given the chance, would you take the opportunity to personally present your concerns to Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Herzog? Because I did. I went to Israel to better understand their perspective and take a unique opportunity to ask the Prime Minister, face-to-face, what his plan was to de-escalate this horrendous conflict.

There is a mood in Israel. October 7 was the largest mass killing of Jews since the holocaust. I saw pictures of hostages everywhere. Everyone wears yellow ribbons. At the Yad Vashem memorial, I saw a T-shirt that read, “Never Again is Now!”

I remember September 11^th, when America was shaken by 3,000 deaths in a terrorist attack. And I’m old enough to remember the Iran Hostage Crisis when 66 Americans were taken from the US Embassy and held for two years. Those experiences enraged our nation of 300 million.

But justifiable rage does not justify revenge.

Now imagine a similar experience in a nation of 10 million. Everyone knows someone personally affected. With mandatory national service, every family has children in the military. Life goes on in Israel. So does a quiet sadness.

Other legislators and I reported that the American public has grave concerns about the civilian casualties in Gaza. The staggering loss of life is causing Israel to lose the hearts and minds of the American public. We asked about medical and humanitarian aid, and what is being done to minimize civilian casualties.

Quite frankly, I was disappointed with the one-sided approach that the Israeli government took when communicating with us legislators. As I said, I broke away from the scheduled itinerary during my time there to meet with local Israeli groups who oppose their government and went so far as to say their country is guilty of genocide in Gaza. They are advocating for a ceasefire. Again, I want to better understand why this conflict is still happening, and to better understand requires talking with all sides of difficult questions.

Everywhere I went in Israel, I saw pictures of the hostages.

I visited the site of the Nova music festival massacre, where a celebration of peace, love, and music became the scene of a mass shooting. 378 people were killed and 44 hostages taken. Men and women were reportedly subject to sexual and gender-based violence. Photos of the victims are now posted where each fell.

At the kibbutz of Be’eri, I met a father whose family had been in the village for three generations. We walked down what was once a quiet, peaceful sidewalk and looked at the small, close homes. A total of 101 Israeli civilians were killed there, and 32 hostages were taken. The walls were bullet-scarred, and personal effects were strewn around the floors. I saw toys and walkers. When families retreated to “safe rooms,” attackers set homes on fire to force them out. Photos of women, men, and children are now posted at each door.

What I saw on the Gaza border will remain with me for the rest of my life. Nearby, I could hear the bombing in Gaza. I’m sure there are equally harrowing scenes there.

Since returning home, I’ve received several emails – mostly from outside of our district – advocating that I should have just stayed home.

I always appreciate succinct feedback. But avoiding difficult situations is not how I’ve ever approached my role as a legislator. I’m not going to treat this problem any differently. I am here to gather perspectives, learn all I can, and try to act based on the best available information I can find. I owe it to my constituents who have asked me to better understand this conflict, and I am not going to ignore opportunities to gather more information when I can.

I’d rather put in the legwork and establish relations with the people I disagree with so I can actually make a difference through dialogue. And as I said before, I don’t spend taxpayer dollars on these missions.

You can read more about my thoughts on this delegation here.

Before I left on this short trip, I was asked if I was concerned about my own safety.

I’m not naive about safety. But sadly, we live in a time when political activists can be assassinated, when legislators are gunned down on their own doorstep, when more than 40 schools have suffered mass shootings this year, and when three Oregon Senators received bomb threats just last week. I denounce any and all political violence. I’ll take steps to protect myself and my family. But I will not live or serve in fear.

The night we arrived in Tel Aviv, I was on the phone with Susan when the missile warnings went off, and we were directed to shelters in the hotel.

Israeli defenses regularly detect and usually destroy rockets before they land. We experienced several of these warnings, including one while on the bus to the airport.

Before we left Israel, each state was encouraged to plant a tree. I was asked by a reporter what this meant to me.

“People who plant trees think of the future”, I said. “I plant it today and think of a time in the future when Arab and Jewish children can sit in the shade of this tree in peace and friendship.”

Now that I have returned, I’m ready to listen and to have open, respectful conversations with anyone who wants to hear firsthand what I saw and learned, so we can focus on working together and staying united for the challenges ahead.

I have been hearing from constituents about their concerns that the federal government has curtailed access to COVID vaccines.

This week, the Governor and the Oregon Health Authority announced that access to the COVID-19 and other respiratory virus vaccines will be restored due to consensus recommendations adopted this week by the West Coast Health Alliance. The recommendations are informed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

COVID: The updated COVID-19 vaccines are available to anyone 6 months of age and older who wants them —just as they have been during recent respiratory seasons.
Influenza: The WCHA endorses the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, universal recommendation for the influenza vaccine (ACIP is the group within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that puts forward federal vaccine recommendations). All people 6 months of age and older should consider an updated influenza vaccine. These recommendations are unchanged from last year.
RSV Vaccine: The WCHA endorses the ACIP’s current recommendations for RSV immunization products. This vaccine is targeted at babies and older adults (75 years old and older).

Please see the FAQ for the WCHA-specific recommendations.

With the adoption of these recommendations, any Oregonian over 7 years of age should be able to go to a pharmacy without a prescription and get the COVID vaccine. Children under 7 will be able to get the COVID vaccine at a medical office. The Governor’s Office is working with the Oregon Health Authority, the Health Care Licensing Boards and the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS) to ensure that this important change is communicated statewide.

In addition to restoring access to vaccines without a prescription, the state made sure you aren’t stuck with an out-of-pocket cost for your COVID-19 shot. Today, DCBS reminded all health benefit plans in Oregon that they must provide coverage for FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines without requiring a co-pay, co-insurance or deductible. You can read that guidance at this link. PEBB, OEBB and the Oregon Health Plan will also provide coverage for these vaccines.

If you do receive a bill for your COVID vaccine, you can submit a complaint by using the insurance complaint form on the DCBS web page, or by emailing DFR.InsuranceHelp@dcbs.oregon.gov. Please consider letting my office know as well so that we can get that information to leaders who may be able to address systemic issues with coverage.

You can find more detailed information about health coverage for the COVID-19 information here on the West Coast Health Alliance and COVID-19 vaccine insurance coverage webpage.

Although many folks worked hard to roll information out last week, please be patient with your pharmacy and your providers. This information is new and information has changed quickly over the last two weeks. This news will probably lead to a rush of folks trying to get appointments for their booster. It’s a good idea to call ahead or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment and save yourself an unsuccessful trip to the pharmacy.

Thanks to everyone who kept reaching out about your experiences trying to access care. Your stories helped me better understand what was happening and they were conveyed to the dedicated team at OHA, the Governor’s Office and the health licensing boards that were able to pull this all together! You made a difference!