BRIEFING ROOM

MAY THEIR MEMORY BE FOR A BLESSING
October 7, 2024

​

Today could have been just another quiet, unremarkable day among the 365 that fill our calendars each year. It should have been an ordinary fall day. But October 7th, once a date of no particular significance, has now become forever etched in the memory of the Jewish people as a day of profound loss and sorrow.

 

The terrorist group Hamas last year orchestrated a brutal and heinous attack that left deep scars on the entire Jewish community. It was an assault on humanity, an affront to dignity, and a reminder of the persistent threat posed by forces that seek to destroy us.

 

At JAC, we are grieving with the entire Jewish community as we remember the 1200 victims, the 72 hostages killed, and the 101 hostages who remain and whose families live in daily anguish awaiting their fate. We also pause to honor the brave IDF men and women who sacrificed their lives to secure the safe return of the hostages and rid their corner of the world from Hamas’ terror.

 

The gunfire that shattered the early morning peace at the Nova music festival pierced our hearts. We will forever hear the echoes of that violence, the panicked screams, the cries of the injured and dying. But that unimaginable terror did not shatter our spirits. It only strengthened our resolve to ensure the safety and survival of the Jewish state.

 

A year later, we are still pursuing justice. We will not rest until every hostage returns home, the threat from Hamas is eliminated, and peace is restored at last to Israel. We will continue forward with unwavering determination each day, with the memory of the fallen inspiring us. At JAC, we continue to engage with elected officials for the release of all hostages and to ensure that support for Israel remains strong and bi-partisan.

 

On October 7th, Hamas did not discriminate against old or young, men or women, or children or babies. To Hamas, they were all nameless, faceless victims they eagerly murdered for simply living in the sovereign, democratic nation of Israel. However, for us, these people had names and stories. They were our family of mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers. We will forever weave their lives into ours as they become a chapter in the collective story of the Jewish people.

 

We will continue to rise against the evil forces that seek to destroy us -- and we will triumph. With a resounding cry over our tears, we say, Never Again.

 

May their memory be for a blessing.