Ramirez Statement on the Anniversary of October 7: A Year of Pain and Opportunity to Pursue Peace

CHICAGO — Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement:

“It has been a year of pain and destruction. October 7 is a dark day - the darkest for many Jewish people since the Holocaust - and we remember Hamas’ deadly attack that took the lives of 1,100 Israelis and separated 251 people from their families. A year later, we grieve for every family who is still not reunited with their loved ones and call for the safe return of the 100 hostages who are still not home. 

As we hold the pain and grief of Israeli families forever changed that day, we also acknowledge October 7 as the beginning of Israel’s campaign of collective punishment of the Palestinian people. For 364 days since October 7, the Netanyahu administration’s actions have taken the lives of more than 40,000 Palestinians, including 6,000 women and 11,000 children, and displaced more than 2 million Palestinians in Gaza. Settler violence has expanded in the West Bank, the Palestinian prison population in Israeli custody has doubled - with around half of all detainees held without charge - and more than 2,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, including 127 children and 261 women. A year later, we grieve for every Palestinian and Lebanese family who has also lost loved ones and call for the release of Palestinians detained without charge and the State-facilitated evacuation of all Americans in Lebanon.

As we reflect on what has resulted from a year without a permanent ceasefire, de-escalation, an arms embargo, or accountability, we must admit we are closer to a regional war. A regional war I warned of as I’ve called for us to lead with diplomacy instead of bombs. The only way to end this harm is to commit ourselves to de-escalation and diplomacy. That is how we achieve a permanent ceasefire where hostages come home, prisoners are released, and no Palestinian is a victim of the bombs the U.S. has sent, the aid they have not received, or criminal settler violence that has been tolerated. 

Today is a moment to recognize that American, Israeli, and Palestinian safety and security are intertwined and interconnected to the safety and security of all those who live in the region. We must honor our shared pain and our shared humanity and pursue peace. Let us be light in dark times and dark places.”