Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) issued the following statement marking three years since Hamas terrorists savagely murdered over 1,200 men, women, and children on October 7^th, 2023:

                “We remember, with profound sadness, the more than 1,200 innocent men, women and children—including 46 Americans—who were tortured, raped, and murdered by Hamas terrorists in Israel during the October 7^th Massacre three years ago today.

                “Hamas kidnapped and took 251 hostages back to Gaza—including 12 Americans—and proceeded to torture, rape, and/or murder many of them. The spectacle of Hamas’ depravity and hate is beyond shocking.

                “Antisemitism—the absolute hatred of Jews and Israel—fueled the cowardly slaughter of innocent civilians by Hamas terrorists.

                “We will never forget, and we stand with our great friend and ally, Israel.”

###