WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark E. Green, MD (R-TN) released the following statement in remembrance of the evil terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel one year ago today: 

“On October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as Hamas committed unimaginable and unspeakable atrocities against innocent lives in Israel. Today, we solemnly remember the nearly 1,200 innocent lives, many of whom were women and children, that were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists, and the 97 people, including seven Americans, still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. The images of that day will be etched in our minds forever, reminding us to remain steadfast in our support for Israel. 

“Since that day, Israel and those who are united in their support for Israel have faced an onslaught of attacks from Iran and its ‘Axis of Resistance.’ We have seen Iran use Hizballah and Houthi rebels to launch attacks on civilians in Israel with rockets and acts of terror, as well as target American forces and our partners in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, and Yemen. And just days ago, Iran itself escalated the conflict further by launching ballistic missiles into Israel’s sovereign territory.

 “In the wake of these attacks, we must also not turn a blind eye to the anti-Semitism now on full display in our country, especially on our college campuses and in influential parts of the Democrat Party. Even nine sitting Democrat members of Congress voted against condemning Hamas and supporting Israel less than twenty days after the attacks. This reprehensible hatred has no place in America––especially in the halls of Congress or our institutions of higher learning ––and we must continue to denounce it in the strongest of terms. 

“Vigilance remains critical, as the same actors who terrorize our Israeli partners seek opportunities to do the same here—and the Biden-Harris administration’s weakness on the world stage is only inviting further aggression.

“As we honor and remember those lost to brutality and terror one year ago, it is more important than ever to stand united in unwavering support of Israel against an enemy that threatens the nation’s very right to exist. At home, we must recommit ourselves to the homeland security mission as enemies of freedom threaten all of us.”

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