House lawmakers held a candlelight vigil on the steps of the US Capitol Wednesday afternoon to mark 103 days since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing more than 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 240 hostages.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the bipartisan group gathered on a “very sad anniversary” to remember those killed – including 33 Americans – and pray for peace, as the members did a month after Israel declared war against terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip.
“A little more than 70 days ago, this group gathered to remember the October 7 attacks on the Jews. And here we are again, because there are still your sons and daughters being held captive by Hamas,” Johnson said.
“Kfir Bibas is among those held in captivity. He is only one year old. Hamas took him hostage four months ago. And his parents are now remembering his birthday, hoping he will be back in their arms soon.”
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the bipartisan group came together on a “very sad anniversary” to remember those killed – including 33 Americans – and pray for peace. AFP via Getty Images Republicans and Democrats huddled together in the cold, each carrying a small candle and the number “103” pinned to the lapel of their winter coats, commemorating the passage of time since the October 7 Hamas attack. AFP via Getty Images
Other hostage family members joined the House delegation on the east side of the Capitol building, standing shoulder to shoulder with members of Congress and holding posters of loved ones in their hands.
Republicans and Democrats huddled together in the cold, each carrying a small candle and the number “103” pinned to the lapel of their winter coats, commemorating the passage of time since the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.
“We must continue to tell the truth about what Hamas is doing,” Johnson continued. “After the attack, we have heard shocking details of the widespread and unspeakable violence committed by Hamas terrorists against innocent civilians.”
Johnson said “the details of this matter are difficult to repeat” but “must be faced” before describing some of the most horrific acts carried out by jihadists. AFP via Getty Images
He added that “the details of this matter are difficult to repeat” but “must be faced” before describing some of the most horrific acts committed by terrorists.
“We know that women suffered pelvic fractures by terrorists who raped them. The animal beheaded the baby. Hamas forces children to see their parents tortured and killed, and they make parents watch their children being killed. They brutally pointed their guns at the private parts of Jewish women and opened fire mercilessly,” Johnson said.
“We have to testify with women who have been beaten, tortured and kept in cages as hostages in Gaza. We must listen to the cries of the Jewish boys whose feet are stamped on the motorcycle exhaust pipe, so that the Hamas kidnappers can track them down and stop them from escaping.”
“We gather today to leave no doubt that when it comes to the safety and security of the people of Israel, we must put aside partisanship,” said Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar. AFP via Getty Images
“We will not tolerate. We must stand together in solidarity with the Jewish people. And we will, from the synagogue in Brooklyn to the country church at my home in Northwest Louisiana, from the Senate to the house — we support Israel, believing that we can overcome darkness with light.”
House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (Calif.) spoke on behalf of Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who was absent, stressing that “defeating Hamas and the terrorist threat will require bipartisan cooperation.”
“These last 100 days have tried many of us. We are together today to leave no doubt that when it comes to the safety and security of the Israeli people, we must put aside partisanship,” Aguilar said.
A similar ceremony a few hours earlier to commemorate the loss of life was held at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which was also attended by family members of the hostages. AFP via Getty Images
“It is our responsibility to defend our nation’s strongest ally in the Middle East, not as Democrats or Republicans, but as Americans,” he added. “Stopping the rise of antisemitism and Islamophobia will require bipartisan cooperation, ensuring lasting and sustainable peace in the Middle East will require bipartisan cooperation.”
Rep. Kathy Manning (D-NC) chose to recite a modern version of the prayer for prisoners regularly recited at synagogues, which she said “have taken immediate action” after the Hamas attack.
“Some try to compare Israel’s war against Hamas terrorists with evil acts, but there is no comparison,” Rep. Max Miller (R-Ohio) added. “As someone who is Jewish, if you are Jewish, and if you have Jewish family members, or if you have Jewish friends, don’t be afraid.”
“Look behind me. Look at this Congress, and know that we stand with the Jews,” he said.
Johnson closed with a moment of silence and a prayer for “peace in Jerusalem.”
A few hours earlier, a similar event to commemorate the loss of life was held at the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, which was also attended by family members of the hostages.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
