Oct. 7, 2024 marks the one-year anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel, which killed over 1,200 civilians. Israelis and Americans are still held hostage today.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy, Sen. Dan Sullivan, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and congressional candidate Nick Begich offered their thoughts on the day’s importance, while Rep. Mary Peltola remained silent on the matter:
Gov. Mike Dunleavy: Today marks the solemn one-year anniversary of the tragic October 7 attack on Israel, a day that deeply affected all those who cherish peace and security. As we remember the lives lost and the communities impacted, we stand in unwavering solidarity with Israel, reaffirming our commitment to its right to exist and defend itself in ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens against terrorist organizations such as Hamas, and Iran and its axis of evil. This day serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and courage of the Israeli people, who continue to endure adversity with strength and resolve. May we honor their sacrifices by supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace and security for Israel and its people.
Sen. Dan Sullivan: One year ago today, on October 7, the people of Israel suffered the worst terrorist attack in their history, a horrendous massacre that took the lives of 1,200 people—many of them innocent civilians in their homes or attending a music festival. Nearly 100 innocent hostages are still being held by Hamas terrorists, including several American citizens, and I reiterate our call for their immediate, unconditional release. America mourns with the Israeli people on this difficult anniversary and remains steadfast in support of Israel’s right to exist in peace and security, free from the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Tehran and its proxies.
Sen. Lisa Murkowski: Our prayers continue to be with the families and victims of the barbaric terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas one year ago. As on day one, we stand with our ally Israel as they defend their people and their sovereignty. We also continue to pray for those in the region and hope for a resolution that will bring a stop to hostilities, safe return of those taken hostage by Hamas, and an end to the rise in antisemitism here at home that has made Jewish Americans feel threatened. The United States is committed to providing Israel the resources they need to defend themselves and providing humanitarian aid to the innocent civilians caught up in Hamas’ deadly war of terror.
Nick Begich: Oct. 7, like Sept. 11 is a sad reminder that terrorism targets the innocent and must be removed from its roots at all costs. Free and open societies demand it and our support for Israel must be unwavering as the nation strives to achieve lasting peace in its region.
Rep. Mary Peltola, who says she likes to avoid controversial topics, was silent on the commemoration of the attacks. She receives funding from groups that have funded campus protests against Israel and its right to defend its sovereign borders.
Silence equals complicit. Peltola is just a patsy of left wing interests from D.C.
The inference that Mary Peltola is “anti Israel” or even “weak on Israel” is preposterous. Let’s start with the fact that the two major Democratic Party Jewish PACs — Democratic Majority for Israel and the Jewish Democratic Council of America — both endorsed her for re-election based on her voting record, which includes voting with the most pro-Israel Democrats in the House, on arms to Israel. Her donors in this cycle include members of Alaska’s most respected Jewish family. I try to be fair in my comments so it is appropriate to note that Mr. Begich was recently endorsed by The Republican Jewish Coalition, some of whose board members are leading pro-choice advocates in the GOP. I am familiar with all of these organizations and know people on their boards. I dont know about you or others reading this, but I was up for much of last evening watching 7/10 commemorations on SkyNews, which did wall to wall coverage. I might also note that I am the son of a Holocaust survivor and am the only person with my surname who resides in the US; the others live in Israel. And once again, those who can figure out who I am, from AIPAC to CUFI, know that I dont take support for Israel lightly. It is the legacy of my people. Mary is a counterweight to Squad influences on Congress.