Friends,

Today marks the one year anniversary of a terrible, unjust, and unprovoked attack on the nation of Israel. Concert goers, families, retirees, women and children; in total over 1200 people including over 40 Americans and individuals from over 30 other nationalities were murdered. Over 200 were taken hostage including nine Americans.

As the co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Hostages and Americans wrongfully detained, I have spent the last year advocating alongside the families of hostages and pushing for the release of those taken. Incredible pain has been inflicted as a result of this attack. For the Jewish community around the world, and here in southeastern Michigan, October 7th marks the single largest attack on the Jewish community since the Holocaust.

A year later, hostages remain in captivity and war in the Middle East continues with attacks on Israel by Iran and Iranian proxies; and innocent people continue to pay the ultimate price.

Today, though, is about remembering what happened on October 7th, honoring the memory of those massacred that fateful day, and continuing to fight for the return of the hostages. I mourn what was taken from us a year ago today and will never stop working to root out antisemitism which has been on the rise over the last year.

And even in the face of this terrible tragedy, I believe there is still light. There is light in the strength of our Jewish community throughout Michigan and the country, in togetherness, and support for freedom and democracy around the world.

In solidarity,

Haley