STATEMENTS ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE
OCTOBER 7 ATTACKS ON ISRAEL
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Sykes Statement on One Year Anniversary of Hamas Attack in Israel
Akron, OH - U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of Hamas' brutal terrorist attack in Israel, which killed 1,200 civilians and saw 251 innocent Israelis taken hostage in Gaza.
"One year after Hamas' horrific terrorist attack in Israel, we remember the thousands of innocent people killed and the 97 hostages who remain missing. We also honor the memory of hostages killed in captivity, such as American-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin," said Rep. Sykes. "One year ago, Israelis and their allies were shaken by an unthinkable attack on Israeli soil. In the weeks and months to follow, increased antisemitism, targeting Jews in the United States and around the world, continued to strike fear in the hearts and minds of many.
"The United States remains steadfastly committed to ensuring Israel can defend itself and its citizens. Together with the international community, we must continue working to ensure the safe return of the remaining hostages and secure a deal for a lasting ceasefire that protects Israeli and Palestinian civilians alike."
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On October 7, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas carried out an unprecedented surprise attack on the Jewish state of Israel. In an act of war, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, infiltrated cities and towns across Israel’s south, kidnapped civilians and fired thousands of rockets and missiles at cities across the country.
We send our condolences to the families of the murdered and our wishes for a speedy recovery to those who are wounded. Israel has every right to defend itself from acts of war and terrorism. We stand united with Israel.
On this Shabbat Atzeret Simchat Torah morning, the day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, our North American Jewish community woke up to the horror of Hamas’ brutal assault on Israel with hundreds wounded and at least dozens murdered. We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Israel, so many of whom are directly in harm’s way, and pray for all those who are defending the State. And we pray for the healing of the wounded, redemption for those captured and comfort for the many bereaved. All people of conscience must stand in solidarity with Israel.
The horrors experienced in Israel these past days are indescribable.
Our hearts are broken by the grief of the hundreds of families who have suffered the losses of loved ones, by the pain of the thousands wounded, and by the trauma of entire communities whose sense of security has been upended. We share in the agony of the hostages and their families as they find themselves in the hands of hate-filled captors who do not behave as people.
What can we say? What can we do?
We must pray to G-d. Everyone as an individual and every community should recite with frequency and intensity Psalms 20, 83, 121, 130 and 142.
We must show support financially. Many responsible organizations are raising funds that will provide for real needs. Give wisely and generously.
We must show support personally. Reach out to your family and friends in Israel – even those who you are not regularly in contact with – and share words of care, support, and concern.
We must show support communally. Join your community’s rally for Israel and your shul or community’s Tehillim gatherings.
Finally, we must draw strength and hope by reminding ourselves of who we are, replaying in our minds and on our lips the words – the value statements – we sang over and over again on Simchas Torah.
Read more here.
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