By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP) Staff
Five lawmakers from Los Angeles County’s Congressional delegation yesterday put out statements addressing the second anniversary of the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.
“Today marks two years since the horrific terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas that killed 1,195 people and took 251 innocent people hostage, including 12 Americans. I join the international community in mourning the innocent lives lost on October 7, and I continue to call for the safe and immediate return of every hostage still held in Gaza,” said U.S. Rep. Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Calabasas).
“I also recognize the profound and devastating toll this war has taken on the Palestinian people. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been tragically and senselessly killed, and countless others have been displaced, injured, or face starvation and immense hardship. Hamas’s brutal actions not only brought unimaginable pain to the people of Israel, but also deepened the suffering of the Palestinian people, who have endured tremendous loss and hardship throughout this conflict.
“It is imperative that Israel work with the international community to ensure that critical humanitarian assistance reaches civilians in Gaza and that every possible step is taken to protect innocent lives. The cycle of violence must end, and a lasting peace must be built on safety, security, dignity, and self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
U.S. Rep. Luz Rivas (D-Pacoima, Panorama City) said her heart goes out to the loved ones of those who lost their lives that day and in the two years since. She also said humanitarian aid must be delivered to those in need in Gaza.
“As we recognize today, we must continue to commit to ending the war and bringing peace to the region. Both Israelis and Palestinians should be able to lead their lives in safety and security. And over the last two years, there have been too many innocent civilians in Gaza who have been subjected to loss and pain,” said Rivas.
“Today is a somber remembrance of the last two years but comes with ongoing negotiations, which I am cautiously optimistic. I remain hopeful for a peaceful solution – bring the hostages home, deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and end the war.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks, Encino, Studio City, Valley Village), Co-Chair of the House Israel Allies Caucus and senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, called the attack “a sobering reminder that Israel is surrounded by violent terrorist organizations that seek its destruction.”
We continue to mourn those murdered and pray for the safe return of all hostages still held in Gaza. The United States must remain steadfast in supporting Israel’s right to defend its citizens and dismantle Hamas so that their threats of “repeating October 7th until Israel is destroyed” can never become a reality,” said Sherman.
“Congress must continue to provide the resources Israel needs to defend itself, while also supporting humanitarian efforts that protect innocent civilians caught in the conflict. Now more than ever, American leadership is needed to chart a path forward that brings greater security for both Israel and Gaza by ending Hamas’s destructive rule, bringing home the hostages and finally establishing legitimate, Arab-led governance in Gaza that will end terrorist rule of the enclave,” said Sherman.
U.S. Rep. Ted W. Lieu (D-Santa Monica, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Manhattan Beach) said the attack amounted to the worst mass murder of Jews since the Holocaust.
“For so many around the world, witnessing the October 7 attack and what followed spurred pain and anguish that endure today. I share in the sorrow of the victims’ families, the families of the hostages, and the families of every innocent person who has been killed in this war,” said Lieu.
“The past two years have been devastating, and I hope to see an end to this conflict very soon. I am cautiously optimistic about the progress on a peace plan supported by regional leaders and the international community to return the hostages, remove Hamas from power, and surge aid to Palestinian civilians. The Administration must do everything it can to increase humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza. What the Administration is doing in terms of humanitarian aid is clearly not enough and is unacceptable. I also urge Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal so we can end the war and suffering and set a path to peace.”
U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Culver City, View Park-Windsor Hills, parts of South LA) said she stands with Jewish communities in Los Angeles and worldwide who still feel deep wounds from that day—not just from grief over the atrocities committed, but also from the subsequent surge in antisemitism that has spread across the globe.
“Two years ago, Hamas’ attack also provoked the beginning of a brutal war that has inflicted immense suffering upon the Palestinian people. The Netanyahu government’s reckless approach to the war has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with innocent civilians paying the ultimate price,” said Kamlager-Dove.
“Amidst the sorrow of this day, for the first time in a long time, there is real hope. Hope that the hostages will return home. Hope that the fighting will come to a halt and aid will be surged. Hope that the suffering in Gaza will end. Hope that the international community can come together to chart a path toward a two-state solution that delivers real, lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians.
“There is a deal on the table that would permanently end the war, bring the hostages home, surge aid into Gaza, and create the conditions necessary to remove Hamas from power. All parties must work swiftly to get this deal across the finish line and begin the hard work of thoroughly implementing its terms.
“We must ensure that another October 7th can never happen again—and that another October 7th does not pass again without real progress toward a peaceful future for the region.”
