WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, October 7, 2023, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) released the following statement in response to terrorist attacks from Hamas against Israel.

“Make no mistake, what Israelis are enduring today, on Shabbat, is an unprovoked war. On the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, Iranian-backed terrorists invaded Israel and the gruesome images on social media are just a sliver of the reality of terror, violence, and havoc wreaked upon the Jewish State.

Hours ago, sirens blared across Israel as radical terrorists sent a barrage of rockets into the country. Iranian-backed terrorists murdered innocent Israelis, injured thousands, and pulled men, women, young children, and grandparents from their homes to take them as hostages. This is an ongoing war being waged against our historic ally, Israel.

Today’s events underscore why I will always stand with Israel — the democracy in the region — and support our partner’s right to defend herself from those who seek her destruction. The U.S.-Israel relationship will remain, as it has for decades, ironclad. It is key to America’s national security.

We must continue our work to provide Israel with the resources she needs to defend herself from terror, including increased counter-drone capabilities, investment for the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow missile defense systems, and additional offensive munitions to preserve Israel’s qualitative military edge.

We will continue to see disturbing, heart wrenching images of women, children, and grandmothers violently pulled from their homes.

What is certain is that Israel did not seek this war, but it is one that it will finish with resolve and determination. Israel must crush the terrorists responsible for this war and protect democracy — and America must have Israel’s back.  

The radical terrorists will lose. Israel will win. Am Yisrael Chai.”

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