WASHINGTON, D.C. (WZMQ 19 News) — 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.
“One year ago today, the world witnessed unthinkable horrors as innocent women and children were raped, entire families were slaughtered, and hostages – both Americans and Israelis – were viciously taken by Hamas,” said Rep. Jack Bergman (R- MI). “We must not let 365 days become years. The repugnant evils of Hamas must be decimated and antisemitism uprooted everywhere it rears its ugly head. Never again.”
“This past year has been difficult for many Michiganders, who have been faced with rising antisemitic, anti-Muslim, and anti-Arab hate, ongoing fears about potential violence and their families’ safety at home and in the region, and who have seen little progress made towards ending the conflict sparked by Hamas’ actions,” said Sen. Gary Peters (D- MI). “As we remember and honor the victims of that tragic day, as well as the hostages and civilians who remain in harm’s way, we must also come together to forge a path forward, to condemn the hate that has become so pervasive since that day, and to continue our pursuit of enduring peace, security, and stability in the region.”
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.
