Washington, DC — Representative Gregory W. Meeks, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, today issued the following statement on the 1-year anniversary of the devastating terrorist attack on Israel, carried out by Hamas on October 7, 2023:
“On this solemn anniversary, we remember the uniquely horrific events of October 7th, and mourn the 1,200 men, women, and children murdered by the terrorist organization Hamas. Those killed include 43 Americans and others from 40 different nationalities, reflecting the global impact of the attack. We also remember the 3,000 people injured in the attack, including victims of sexual assault, who may never recover from their wounds.
“And every day, I think of the more than 200 victims who were kidnapped and dragged into captivity. One hundred of these hostages remain in the clutches of the terrorists. I have met with their parents, relatives, and friends—some of the strongest people I have ever met—and I carry their suffering with me. We must not rest until they all come home.
“Having personally watched extensive footage of the attack, I have seen for myself the sheer depravity of the perpetrators. I watched as parents were murdered in front of their children; as elderly women were shot in close range; as grenades were tossed into shelters packed with innocent victims; as young people were mowed down mercilessly at a dance festival; and as women were dragged away to be raped before they were executed. This wasn’t just an attack—it was the epitome of evil.
“October 7th was the darkest day of anti-Jewish violence since the Holocaust, and one we can never forget. The violence occurred for one reason—the desire of the terrorist organization Hamas to destroy the Jewish State. They will fail; we will never let terrorists succeed.
“I will continue to stand with Israel in its defense against Iran and its proxies; and work to support peace and efforts to help move both sides closer to the day when a two-state solution—free from Hamas and other terrorists—is possible.”
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