CONNECTICUT, USA — Monday marked the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel at the Nova music festival, when Hamas killed over 1,200 people and took 250 people hostage.
Renewed warfare in Gaza since the attack has left 41,000 dead, with many more missing.
Connecticut state leaders took time to reflect on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack and the ongoing conflict in the region.
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), who traveled with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, released the following statement:
“Today in Israel, the pain and grief are deep and moving. A strong, thriving Israel is essential to America’s own national security,” Blumenthal said. “We reiterated our commitment to bring home all the hostages – including those brutally murdered. I hope that diplomacy may achieve a cessation of fighting, leading to the return of the hostages, and a path toward normalizing relations in the region, along with humanitarian aid and rebuilding.”
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), chairman of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism, said in a statement, "One year ago today, on the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Hamas terrorists launched a brutal attack on Israel, mercilessly killing 1,195 people and taking 251 others hostage. What happened on Oct. 7 was unconscionable, and Hamas must be held accountable."
Murphy continued, "My heart remains with those grieving the loss of their family members and friends, and those still waiting for their loved ones’ return, as well as every member of the Jewish community, which has faced a disgusting rise in antisemitism over the past year. The United States will always stand with the people of Israel against any and all threats. The path to long-term security for the Israeli people remains a diplomatic solution that ensures the safe return of the hostages, an end to this war, and a two-state future.”
Rep. John Larson (CT-01) said in a statement that "the Oct. 7 attack was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. 1,195 people were brutally murdered by Hamas, including 14 American citizens."
Larson wrote, "The United States stands with the people of Israel and remains committed to their security as they continue to face threats. Additionally, over the last year, Jewish and Muslim people have faced a staggering rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia. No one deserves to live in fear because of their faith or ethnicity. The people of Israel and Gaza should be able to live their lives freed from the threat of terrorism and hate. I stand with President Biden, the hundreds of thousands of Israeli citizens, and the families of hostages held in Gaza, including former Connecticut resident Jonathan Dekel-Chen, who are demanding their safe return and calling for this war to come to an end.”
Rep. Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) wrote in a statement, “On Oct. 7, Israel faced the most devastating terrorist attack in its history. My heart breaks for the lives lost and the families torn apart. Earlier this year, I went to Kibbutz Be’eri and saw the homes where so many were massacred, to the site of the supernova Sukkot Gathering music festival that Hamas attacked, and met repeatedly with families of those taken in the Hostage Square. I continue to stand with Israel and support its right to defend itself from threats – whether it be Hamas’s terrorist violence, Hezbollah’s aggression, or Iran’s ballistic missile attacks. October 7th also brought an unacceptable rise in antisemitism that we must fight."
She continued, “It is time we finally bring the remaining hostages held by Hamas home. All future actions must respect Palestinian lives and keep open a two-state solution as the only route to peace. As I have said previously, the United States stands firmly with our ally Israel, and it will have what it needs to ensure its security.”
Rep. Jim Himes (CT-04) said, "One year ago, Hamas undertook a hideously brutal attack against the people of Israel. I stand with Israel against barbarism and pray for the release of the hostages and an end to all of the killing in the region."
Attorney General William Tong said in a statement, “It has been one year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. One year of immense grief for the families of the innocent victims senselessly seized and slaughtered. One terrible year of unimaginable suffering for the remaining hostages and their families who fight fiercely every day for a safe return. Israel has an unequivocal right to defend itself and to ensure its people and families never again suffer such terror."
Tong continued, "All people of good faith and conscience want this conflict to end and the death and suffering to stop-- for Israel, for Gaza, and all innocent families who deserve lasting peace and safety. For my part, I will continue to support the Israeli people in pursuit of those goals. And I will do all that I can to make sure Jewish families and faith communities are safe and supported here at home."
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