Folks, 

When I began serving as the co-chair for the Congressional Task Force for American hostages and Americans wrongfully detained abroad, it was nearly unfathomable we would have the largest hostage crisis less than a year later.

Today, while we seek to rejoice in saying Happy Hanukkah, my heart is with the 130+ hostages and five Americans now held for 61 days in tunnels at the hands of terrorists in Gaza. I pray for light and hope to find these beautiful people and carry them through the difficulty of their days.

As candles are lit over the next eight days, the hope, inspiration, and miracle these candles represent speak to all humanity’s ability to prevail. For no matter how long, dark, and difficult a journey may be, there is always light.

Thank you for being part of what inspires and motivates me to make a difference and speak for those who need a voice. 

– Haley Stevens