Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation on Monday, remembering the year anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023 attack against Israel, while Alabama's federal lawmakers also used the anniversary to push for continued support for Israel and the release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas.
Monday marks one year to the day that Hamas terrorists entered Israel through the Gaza Strip, killing thousands of Israelis and capturing hundreds more as hostages.
The incursion led to increased hostilities between Israel, Gaza and surrounding nations, with tensions higher now than ever.
Since day one, Alabama’s state and federal leaders expressed unequivocal support for Israel in its continued reprisals against Hamas and its supporters.
On Monday, Ivey made a proclamation, announcing Oct. 7, 2024, as an official day of remembrance of the attacks in Alabama.
“One year ago today, Hamas terrorists viciously attacked Israel, making it the largest killing of Jews since the Holocaust,” Ivey wrote. “Alabama always stands with Israel, so today, I have proclaimed it a Day of Observance in Alabama. May we never forget.”
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) also took time to remember the day, once again expressing full-throated continued support for Israel as it continues to face missile attacks to this day.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) joined Tuberville and several other Senate colleagues in putting forward a resolution supporting the “forever survival” of Israel and calling for the safe release of remaining hostages.
“One year after Hamas' barbaric attack on Israel, we stand resolute in our unwavering support for the Jewish state and her right to defend herself,” Britt said. “Today, we remember and honor the memory of the victims of that horrific day and renew our vow of ‘Never Again.’ America must stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel – our great ally, friend, and partner – as she works to bring every single hostage home and permanently neutralize the threat of Hamas. Only through strength can we achieve peace — evil is powerless when the good are unafraid.”
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) also remembered the “brutal and unprovoked attack” and called for the release of the remaining hostages assumed to be still held in Gaza.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) offered his support of Israel in its right to defend itself.
U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) called for continued prayers for the protection of Israel and its people.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) echoed Aderholt's sentiment of standing with Israel in its right to defend itself.
U.S. Rep Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), as the lone Democrat in Alabama’s federal delegation, released a statement calling for a ceasefire, the release of the remaining hostages, and a lasting peace in the region.
“Today marks one year since the horrific October 7th attack on Israel when Hamas terrorists killed nearly 1,200 people, took more than 250 hostages, and committed unspeakable acts of violence against innocent men, women, and children,” Sewell wrote. “My thoughts are with every family whose lives have been uprooted by this tragedy, including those whose loved ones remain in Hamas captivity. October 7th was the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We must ensure that such horrors are never repeated.”
“As we grieve for the victims, we must continue working to bring this conflict to an end and achieve lasting peace for the region. That begins with a ceasefire deal to secure the immediate release of all hostages by Hamas and stem the suffering of civilians in Gaza. Only then can we begin working toward a future where Israelis and Palestinians alike are afforded equal measures of freedom, dignity, security, and self-determination," she added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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