FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

November 2, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) released the following statement on the Israel-Hamas war:

“As we commence the month of November, I remain devastated by wanton loss of life, the death and injury of innocents, those being tortured and held captive in the war of Israel and Hamas. It is truly painful. The 9th District of NY is home to one of the most diverse populations in the nation. Christians, Muslims and Jewish people from across the nation and around the world have made it their home. We pride ourselves in our diversity and supporting one another during times of hardship. 

“The terrorist attack from Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians on October 7th left us all heartbroken. I wholeheartedly condemn the Hamas attacks on Israel and the escalating violence that has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent Palestinian women, children and men in Gaza. I join my colleagues in calling for the immediate release of all hostages and the safe return of all American citizens in the region, including the hundreds of Palestinian-Americans stranded in Gaza. Moreover, it is imperative that we ensure the viability of a corridor to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians and the import of humanitarian aid, immediately.

“As an American, New Yorker and Brooklynite, I not only know the heartache and grief caused by terrorist attacks, but I am also very conscious of the devastation wrought by mistakes made during our war on terror.

“I am extremely concerned about the escalation of hate filled rhetoric that is fueling violence domestically and the effect it will have on our national security. In recent years, we have witnessed the brutality and devastation that comes from hate-fueled attacks that endanger our communities. From Buffalo to Pittsburgh, Plainfield to El Paso and Patterson to Jacksonville – far too many communities have suffered from the rise of white supremacist and extremist ideologies, anti-immigrant rhetoric, Islamophobic and antisemitic sentiment. I believe we all must recognize that our words have meaning, and they hold power. The weaponization of hatred and bigotry must not be permitted to prevail. It is up to all of us – elected officials, parents, teachers, members of the clergy and people of good will – we must stand together against the rise of hate and violence. We all have a role to play in making this world a greater, more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren to inherit.”

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