Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Co-Chair of the Israel Allies Caucus, released a statement marking the anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel.

"Today, we remember with deep sadness the more than 1,200 innocent men, women and children who were mercilessly slaughtered by Hamas terrorists in the most fatal incident of antisemitic violence since the Holocaust," Smith stated. He also expressed ongoing grief for families of hostages who suffered under Hamas and emphasized that many remain captive.

Smith urged continued international efforts to secure the release of all hostages and to provide Israel with necessary support against Hamas. "The United States and the international community cannot let up in the slightest until each and every single hostage is returned home and Israel has all the tools and support it needs to defend itself against Hamas’ ongoing war of hatred—which is fueled and exacerbated by Iran and its other terrorist proxies in the region," he said.

Smith also called for addressing what he described as a support network for terrorists within international organizations. "Additionally, the deep roots of the terrorists’ support network at the United Nations and other international organizations who perpetuate antisemitic hate for Israel must be completely torn out," he concluded.