Issued October 07, 2024
Today, we mark the somber anniversary of the horrific attack by Hamas that claimed more than a thousand lives, took more than 250 hostages, and shattered so many families on October 7, 2023.
We unequivocally condemn Hamas’ brutal actions, which targeted innocent civilians and included murder, kidnapping, and sexual violence. Our hearts go out to the loved ones of everyone impacted by the attack.
As we reflect on the loss endured by the families in Israel, we also condemn Prime Minister Netanyahu’s brutal war in Gaza and recognize the extreme suffering of the Palestinian people. The Netanyahu administration, backed by our government, has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians who had nothing to do with Hamas' crimes—bombing schools, refugee camps, and hospitals while blocking aid and causing starvation.
While the incredible devastation in Gaza continues, there has been a complete failure to secure a lasting ceasefire, and the war is expanding into a regional conflict that is putting millions of people in danger and leading to the deaths of innocent civilians in Lebanon and elsewhere.
In this moment of remembrance, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and justice in the region and renew our call for the Biden Administration to use all levers at its disposal to push for an immediate ceasefire.
We also commit to redoubling our efforts to stand up against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and bigotry in all of its forms and to counter the rising tide of hateful incidents directed toward Jews, Muslims, and people of color.
Let us honor the memories of the victims of October 7th by striving to end the violence, bring the hostages home, and find a lasting solution to the conflict in Israel and Palestine that includes durable security for the Israeli people, statehood and self-determination for the Palestinian people, and peace, democracy, and justice for all in the region.