By Brendan Scanland
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ceremonies and vigils were held around the world today to mark the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks on Israel. Tens of thousands of lives have been lost in the Middle East since that day and the violence continues.
On October 7, 2023, at least 1,200 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage when Hamas launched a never-before-seen attack on innocent civilians.
“What happened on October 7 was brutal. It was horrific. It was the most barbaric terrorist attack we’ve ever experienced,” said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D- NY). “These were grandparents, parents, children, and infants. They were young people at a concert, families building their lives, and advocates working for peace.”
“Israel was attacked. Israel is responding,” said Rep. Claudia Tenney (R- NY).
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, shared reaction to mark the first anniversary of the attacks while also pledging continued support for Israel and urging the release of the remaining hostages.
“I think we have to, as a democracy, support our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East,” said Gillibrand. “We must also remember that there are around one hundred hostages still being held by Hamas, including a number of Americans. While the situation remains extremely difficult, we must recommit ourselves to bringing them home as swiftly as possible. I pledge that I will not rest until they’re back home,” she added.
“I will continue to stand with Israel and steadfastly support its right to defend itself, including its efforts to dismantle Hamas and Hezbollah and to combat Iran’s aggression in the region. I will continue to fight back against the exponential rise in antisemitism we have seen in America since that awful day,” said Senator Bob Casey (D- PA). “Our Nation must continue to do everything we can to support Israel in holding terrorists accountable, to bring the hostages home, and to provide humanitarian relief to those suffering in Gaza.”
“On this October 7th, we remember the innocent lives that were taken, and we continue to pray for the safe return of hostages held by Hamas. We must remain steadfast in our support of Israel as it defends its right to self-preservation,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R- PA).
“Today, as Israel continues to defend itself from Iran-back terrorists like Hamas and Hezbollah, it is critical the United States continues to stand with our greatest ally in the Middle East,” said Rep. Mike Kelly (R- PA).
“Today marks one year since the barbaric October 7th terrorist attack on Israel — 1,200 innocent people were slaughtered, including 46 American citizens. There are still 97 hostages being held by Hamas, including 4 Americans. America continues to stand by Israel, honor the victims, and call for the return of the remaining hostages,” said Rep. Nick Langworthy (R- NY).
At the site of the Nova music festival in Israel on Monday, family and friends remembered loved ones who were killed and kidnapped one year ago.
Today’s ceremonies come as the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza only gets worse. Gaza’s Ministry of Health has reported more than 40,000 deaths since fighting broke out between Israel and Hamas.
In Lebanon, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues to intensify day and night. According to the UN, 90,000 Lebanese civilians have had to flee their homes amid Israeli airstrikes.
In northern Israel, 70,000 civilians have also evacuated to avoid attacks from Hezbollah.
According to preliminary data from the Anti-Defamation League, threats to Jewish people in the United States have tripled in the past year.
In April, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said it received over 8,000 reports of anti-Muslim bias in 2023- the highest ever recorded in their 28 years of tracking.
