Washington, D.C. — FDD Action today marked the second anniversary of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terrorist massacre with a call for renewed resolve to dismantle Hamas’ terror infrastructure and secure the release of all remaining hostages. Representatives of FDD Action participated in a press conference hosted by Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) at the House Triangle, where lawmakers unveiled three new bipartisan bills honoring the victims of the attack and reaffirming U.S. solidarity with Israel.
The legislation announced includes the October 7 Commemoration Resolution, the October 7 Gold Medal Act, and the October 7 Remembrance Education Act. FDD Action strongly supports each of these bipartisan measures and applauds Rep. Gottheimer and his co-leads for their leadership.
“Two years after the barbaric slaughter of more than 1,200 innocent people, including over 40 Americans, and the kidnapping of hundreds more, it is long past time for Hamas to lay down its arms, release every hostage, and accept the terms of the proposed peace plan,” said Tyler Stapleton, Senior Director of Government Relations at FDD Action. “We stand with the families of the victims and survivors who gathered today, and we support congressional efforts to ensure the memory of October 7 is honored with action and clarity of purpose.”
“There can be no moral equivalence between a U.S.-designated terrorist organization and the democratic nation it targets,” Stapleton continued. “The only sustainable path to peace begins with Hamas’ permanent disarmament, the end of its rule in Gaza, and the full return of every hostage. The peace framework put forward by the administration and regional partners is the most realistic vehicle to achieve that outcome.”
At today’s press conference, FDD Action joined members of Congress, survivors, and hostage families to underscore the enduring threat posed by Hamas and to call on leaders in the United States and around the world to back the U.S. peace plan for Gaza. This framework stands as the most viable and comprehensive approach to resolving the Gaza conflict, directly addressing the factors that enabled the October 7 attack and paving the way for the total dismantlement of Hamas’ terror infrastructure.
FDD Action will continue advocating for policies that uphold U.S. national security interests, support Israel’s right to self-defense, and ensure accountability for state sponsors and enablers of terror.
At the press conference, members of Congress announced the introduction of three measures intended to honor the victims of October 7, support survivors and hostage families, and ensure long-term remembrance and education.
FDD Action supports all three measures and commends Rep. Gottheimer and the bipartisan coalition behind them for advancing legislation that not only commemorates the victims and survivors of October 7 but reinforces American leadership in the fight against terrorism and antisemitism.