[firstname],
On October 7th, the world looked on in horror as Israel, our greatest friend and ally in the Middle East, came under barbaric attack. In just a matter of hours, hundreds of innocent people, including American citizens, were captured or brutally murdered by Hamas, the terror group that governs the neighboring Gaza Strip. In the days following the initial invasion, gruesome images of victims were circulated online. We heard terrifying first-hand accounts of the attack while the estimated death toll rose into the thousands.
My thoughts are with the families of all those who have lost their lives, and I pray that all the hostages will safely return home soon.
In Washington, I’ve been doing my part to stand up to Hamas and reassure our friends in the Jewish community both here and in Israel of our unwavering support.
Reaffirming Support for Israel and Our Jewish Communities
Immediately following the attack, I signed on as an original co-sponsor to a resolution declaring that the United States unequivocally stands with Israel and its people. The resolution, which passed the House 412-10, condemns Hamas’s brutal invasion and declares American support for Israel as it continues to defend itself.
I also joined members of Ohio’s congressional delegation in writing a letter to Ohio’s Jewish Communities. In our letter, we strongly condemned antisemitism in all its forms and underscored our support of Jewish Americans. In the weeks since this war began, antisemitic sentiments have been spewed by protesters, politicians, and pundits defending Hamas.
Seeing this spread of hateful rhetoric is abhorrent. There is no place for it in our society, and I want to make it clear to our Jewish friends abroad and here at home that we will always stand with you.
