Remembering the Victims of the October 7th Israeli Massacre

It’s hard to believe that it is almost one year from the October 7, 2023, brutal, unprovoked and cowardly terrorist attack on Israel. On Monday, Governor Greg Abbott has called for a moment of silence at 7:00 AM. It is important that we reflect and remember the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

Last October 7th, approximately 3,000 Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel by land, air, and sea. Almost 1,200 civilians were slaughtered amid heinous atrocities, and over 200 hostages were seized.

The Texas response following the horrific attack was swift, strong and unwavering. Both chambers of the legislature passed unanimous resolutions, and I was honored to author the one passed by the Texas Senate. These resolutions – the first in the nation by a U.S. legislative body – expressed Texas’ solidarity with and support for the people of Israel, and underscored their absolute right to defend themselves against these brutal attacks. Texas has also been a national leader in taking actions to address the growing antisemitism on college campuses and in the population at large. It is unacceptable that the Jewish community must live in fear for their safety simply because of their heritage.

The death, injury and carnage inflicted on October 7th has devastated families and communities across the Israeli homeland. Early this year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, in part, “I think of the ache and the sense of yearning that will not yield, the feeling that the sun has been extinguished, I think about the heroes that we lost, about broken dreams, shattered hopes.” I have twice sat down with families of hostages to hear their stories, including two who were present during the attack but escaped. I remain so overwhelmed with the courage of a teenager who related her account of that day. She lost family and had family members abducted, yet led her young brother to safety.

The regional effects and aftermath of this awful day continue. Soon after the attack, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza aimed at eliminating Hamas and bringing home hostages. Last Saturday, Israel eliminated Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s brutal terrorist leader. Then, in an unprecedented development, Iran directly launched approximately 180 ballistic missiles at Israel earlier this week. Israel remains at war with forces of evil who will stop at nothing to fulfill their goal to annihilate our trusted ally, the only true democracy in the Middle East.

The massacre of October 7th is a deep stain on humanity, and reminds us why we must continue to stand with Israel as they continue to secure their country and fight for their very existence. As we remember those who were brutally slaughtered on this solemn occasion, I ask that you stand in solidarity with the Jewish people and the nation of Israel. And let us continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.