Friend,

I wanted to reach out to acknowledge the heavy hearts we carry one week after the tragic terrorist attacks carried out by Hamas in Israel. The inhumanity we saw on full display that day is truly haunting. Since then, we have seen the death toll of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians climb to devastating numbers.

I am especially horrified to hear the reports of American citizens taken hostage and killed during the attacks.

I want to be clear, there is absolutely no justification for terrorism. Hamas is a terrorist organization whose use of innocent civilians as human shields has had catastrophic consequences for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. My heart aches for all of the innocent people affected in the wake of these attacks.

At this moment, our number one priority is to find and return unaccounted for Americans to their families. We must stand united in demanding the release of all hostages.

If you have a family member in Israel or Gaza, please contact the closest U.S. embassy or consulate by using this crisis form.

As we continue to support our strongest ally, and the only democracy in the Middle East, we must also ease the humanitarian consequences of Hamas' attack felt by civilians and hostages. The Palestinian people are victims of this terrorist organization whose aggressive pursuits have not only perpetuated violence, but have also hindered the prospects of lasting peace in the region.

It is important for us to use moments like these to come together as a community, transcending faiths, to condemn violence and stand united against hatred. 

In Solidarity,