State and federal lawmakers have issued statements in honor of the first anniversary of October 7, the deadly attack by Hamas on Israel, resulting in the death of over 1,000 individuals and the taking of over 250 hostages. Of those hostages 101 remain in captivity, and among them is North Carolina native, Keith Samuel Siegel.
“A year ago the world witnessed a horrific attack on Israel with over 1400 killed and still today 101 hostages, one a North Carolinian,” Rep. Jeff Zenger, R-Forsyth, told the Carolina Journal. “Israel is now fighting a multi front war for the right to exist. I never thought I would see 1930’s Germany antisemitism but here we are. We must root out and stand up to antisemitism and all racial discrimination. I stand with Israel!”
Rep. Jimmy Dixon, R-Duplin, also offered comments.
“As a person of faith who believes that the word of God is contained in biblical texts that attack was blatant it was designed perfectly to be sensationalized across the world, and it shows the arrogance with which evil forces now will go to in order to destroy the state of Israel,” Dixon told the Carolina Journal. “Additionally, I think that they were emboldened unfortunately by the weakness of the current administration in America I hope that we move to a position of strength in this upcoming election or else there will be additional evil forces interested in destroying freedom and liberty even in America.”
Federal lawmakers representing the state of North Carolina marked the solemn occasion.
“Hamas also took over 200 hostages, including NC native Keith Siegel. We will never stop fighting to bring Keith and all of the hostages home,” said Sen. Ted Budd, in an X post. “We must stand with Israel and provide them with everything they need to secure the safety of their nation and bring the hostages home.”
One year ago, Hamas terrorists committed a barbaric series of attacks inside Israel. It was the deadliest massacre of the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Over 1,200 innocent people were murdered, including over 40 Americans.
Hamas also took over 200 hostages, including NC… pic.twitter.com/e3VxIatf6V
— Senator Ted Budd (@SenTedBuddNC) October 7, 2024
“Since then (Oct. 7th), Israel has also withstood the attacks of another terrorist group of Hezbollah and, most recently, the terrorist nation of Iran. Regardless of the foe, it has become clear to the world that Israel will not be eliminated,” Rep. Greg Murphy (R-NC3) said in a press release. “Increasing tensions and regional instability present a threat not just to the Middle East, but to the global community. Tehran’s repeated escalation of its war against Israel will be met with great immediate and long-term consequences. The United States and its allies must remain stalwart in our support of our greatest Middle East ally in this grave time. Peace can only be achieved through strength. Unprovoked aggression must be met with boldness and complete resolve. Until the bloodthirsty terrorists lay down their weapons, they will continue to feel the wrath of the Israel Defense Forces and our supporting coalition will remain ready to defend the innocent.”
Reactions to Oct. 7 and the Israeli actions that followed, were varied. Unrest had erupted across the country, especially on college campuses, by pro-Palestinian protestors, including events at UNC-Chapel Hill, in opposition to Israel’s military response. On the other side of the coin are the famous frat boys who held up the American flag when it was repeatedly torn down by protestors.
“October 7th marks a day of profound tragedy for the State of Israel and Jewish people around the world,” Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC5), Chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce said in a press release. “Its legacy left a terrible wound, one we saw cut deeply and visibly at schools across the United States. No one will forget the professors and students at colleges who celebrated and cheered on the rape and mass murder of innocent civilians in Israel. No one will forget the K-12 student walkouts featuring calls to ‘Kill the Jews’ and ‘Bring Hitler Back.’ No one will forget the harassment and suffering Jewish students have faced this past year. The so-called leadership at schools bears ultimate responsibility for allowing and enabling the cancer of antisemitism to spread unchecked. While the damage done may never fully heal, the Committee remains resolute in demanding accountability from feckless schools and their leadership. The Committee’s aim today is the same as day one: to ensure that Jewish students can sit in a classroom with the same sense of safety, dignity, and respect as any other student. The law guarantees them the same rights and protections as their peers, and we will not waver until every academic institution in America upholds that promise.”
The Republican party and their candidates have not neglected to honor the memory of the horrific event and those who perished on that dark day.
“We have not forgotten the terrorist attack committed by Hamas and have not forgotten that a North Carolinian is still held hostage by Hamas right now,” NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons said in a press release. “As domestic politics continue to put support for Israel in jeopardy, we will do our part to call out antisemitism at home and support our closest Middle East ally in a dangerous world made more unsafe by the current administration.”
Former president and current Republican nominee for the presidential campaign, Donald J. Trump, also released a statement.
“The atrocities, including the slaughtering and capturing of innocent Israelis and Americans, that took place on October 7th would have never happened if President Trump were still in the White House,” Karoline Leavitt, press secretary for the Trump Campaign, said in a statement. “For Americans and Israelis alike, it’s imperative that President Trump is re-elected so he can end the bloodshed caused by an emboldened Iranian terrorist regime, which is stronger and richer today from the Harris-Biden Administration’s incompetence and weak policies.”
On Wednesday, Trump observed Oct. 7 by visiting Ohel Chabad Lubavitch, Rabbi Schneerson’s final resting place in New York, and making remarks at an event in remembrance of Oct. 7th in Florida.
“One year after the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the end of the Holocaust, we mourn with the people of Israel and with the families of those slain by Hamas—and we stand with the families still working with such courage to free their loved ones from Hamas captivity,” US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin said in a statement. “The Department of Defense’s primary duty is to keep American citizens safe. We bow our heads in memory of the Americans murdered by Hamas over the past year, including the slain hostages Itay Chen, Gad Haggai, Judy Weinstein Haggai, and Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Their memories will be a blessing—and spur us to action. We will not rest until every hostage has returned home.”
Today, I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss Iran’s destabilizing actions in the region and the current situation in Lebanon. I recalled that tomorrow marks one year since Hamas perpetrated the worst terrorist attack against Israel in its history. I…
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 7, 2024
“Hamas’ attacks on October 7 unleashed a year of conflict, with tragic consequences for the Palestinian people,” said Secretary of State Anthony J. Blinken in statement. “The United States mourns the death of every innocent who died on October 7 and in the year since. It is time to reach a ceasefire agreement that brings the hostages home, alleviates the suffering of the Israeli and Palestinian people, and ultimately brings an end to this war… On this painful anniversary, the United States stands with Israel as it defends itself against terrorism. We remain steadfast in our commitment to lasting peace and stability across the region and for a common future for Israelis and Palestinians with equal measures of security, dignity, opportunity, and freedom.”
On the anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel, we mourn the loss of lives in the tragic terrorist attacks, including Americans. It’s time to reach a ceasefire that brings the hostages home, secures Israel, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and brings an…
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 7, 2024