Grace Meng: “October 7, 2023, was supposed to be a day of joy. Jewish communities around the world, including many in my Queens…”

“October 7, 2023, was supposed to be a day of joy. Jewish communities around the world, including many in my Queens district, were gathering to celebrate a holiday, but instead, it was and forever will be a day of agony. October 7 was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, murdered over 1,200 people, took more than 251 hostages, and destroyed entire communities. I will never forget going to shuls in Queens that night to share the news of the attack with my constituents. Madam Speaker, 1 year later, our hearts remain heavy as we pray for all remaining hostages to be returned home safely. Our souls remain shattered as we see the rise in anti-Semitism at home and abroad. The sacred bond between the U.S. and Israel will not be broken, and our commitment to Israel's security and countering the Iranian threat will not waver. May the memories of all those murdered that day be a blessing, and may we continue working to achieve peace. ____________________”