On the anniversary of the horrific October 7, 2023 attack, I am thinking of the 1,200 Israelis murdered by Hamas. I am thinking of the Israeli hostages who have been killed and those still held captive. I am thinking of the more than 41,000 Palestinians killed by the Israeli military in the last year. I am thinking of the massacres and starvation that Palestinian children, elders, and families have endured.

As we reflect on the horrors of the past year, we must remember that we are one human family and our destinies are tied. Death and destruction beget death and destruction. As policymakers, we have a moral, humanitarian, and righteous mandate to save lives, and saving lives — in Israel, Gaza, Lebanon and beyond — must remain our priority.

For each family member, doctor, and survivor who has sat beside me and shared their personal story in the midst of unimaginable grief this past year, I thank you for your courage and your advocacy. Your loved ones and your patients have been through horrific atrocities, and I carry each of their stories with me daily.

On this anniversary, with the violence in the Middle East escalating, I urge the United States and the international community to leverage every diplomatic tool available to push for a lasting ceasefire to save lives, return the hostages, and surge humanitarian aid to the region. The bloodshed must end.

Today and always, may we continue to pray for peace, to call for peace, and to pursue a more just, safe, and equitable community, country, and world.

In solidarity,

Ayanna