Dear neighbor,
This week, people across the country and around the world witnessed horrific terrorist attacks on Israel perpetrated by Hamas. I am appalled by this abhorrent violence against civilians and condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms. Israelis, Americans, and citizens of other nations were slaughtered by Hamas. I join President Biden in reaffirming the United States’ commitment to stand with Israelis and their right to defend themselves.
My heart grieves for the victims in Israel who were intentionally butchered, maimed, and killed. My heart also mourns for Palestinian civilians who have died as a result of this conflict.
There are no words strong enough in the English language to describe the unspeakable acts of evil committed by Hamas. Hamas is a genocidal, homicidal, religiously fanatical terrorist organization that kills babies, murders the elderly, and wipes out entire families. There cannot be peace until Hamas is dismantled. The American people have stood, and will continue to stand, with Israel to destroy Hamas.
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Rep. Lieu Condemns Hamas Attacks on Israel
In response to Hamas’s despicable acts of terrorism, I joined over 400 of my colleagues in cosponsoring a bipartisan resolution authored by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) standing with Israel. While the House’s ability to act is currently stalled by the Republican Conference’s inability to elect a Speaker, I sincerely hope that this bipartisan action will be our priority as soon as we are able to move legislation.
As Israel is under attack, we must stay vigilant towards any threat to the global Jewish community. I joined my fellow Co-Chairs of the House Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism in condemning Hamas and standing with Israel. While we mourn the tragic loss of life in Israel and in Gaza, we remain committed to countering all forms of terrorism, antisemitism, and hate at home and abroad.
Since Hamas launched its terrorist attack on Israel last week, congressional offices have received an influx of outreach from Americans in Israel who are trying to get home. Many flights have been canceled or sold out due to the attack, leaving Americans unable to book travel back to the United States. I joined Representatives Grace Meng (D-NY) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), as well as nearly 150 bipartisan Members of Congress, in urging Secretary of State Blinken to use all resources available to help Americans evacuate.
I am pleased the State Department has responded and is assisting Americans seeking to depart Israel. To stay updated on guidance from the U.S. Embassy in Israel regarding security and travel for Americans, visit https://il.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/.
U.S. citizens looking to get in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Israel can fill out this form, or call 1-833-890-9595 or 1-606-641-0131. The State Department is working around the clock to help those in crisis in the Middle East.
If you live in my congressional district in Los Angeles County and need assistance, please call our Los Angeles office at (323) 651-1040. My staff and I are continuously monitoring the situation in Israel and are prepared to do everything we can to assist you.
I will share information and resources for those impacted as they become available. For more, please visit my website at lieu.house.gov and follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. If you have any questions or concerns, please call my D.C. office at (202) 225-3976 or my Los Angeles district office at (323) 651-1040.
Sincerely,
Ted W. Lieu
Member of Congress
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