Fate of Hostages Dominant Concern on Oct. 7th Second Anniversary

By Ted Deutch

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As this historic week begins, I pray that the emerging peace initiative will soon bring about the prompt release of the remaining 48 hostages. Under President Trump’s leadership, the United States has convinced the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, Egypt and Jordan, Pakistan and Indonesia, and the UK and France to support the plan, and all of them—and the world— must exert maximum pressure to make Hamas agree so that the hostages can come home and this war can finally end.

Always remember how we got here.

Two years ago this week, Hamas terrorists stormed into Israel and unleashed the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. They murdered more than 1,200 innocent men, women, and children, including 46 Americans, citizens of more than 40 countries, and countless peace activists working for coexistence.

On that dark day, Hamas used sexual assault as a weapon of war. They took more than 250 hostages into their terror tunnels. Now, on the second anniversary of the savage attacks of October 7, 2023, we remember all of the lives that were cut short or indelibly altered because of Hamas’ atrocities. Their brutality was not just an attack on Israel; it was an assault on humanity itself.

Since October 7, we’ve seen relentless attacks on Israel’s very right to exist and a terrifying surge of antisemitism globally. In our currently upside-down world, Hamas is praised while its hostage-taking, atrocities, and war crimes are ignored.

Words matter. Leadership matters. When public figures slander Israel or normalize calls for violence—from chants of “Globalize the intifada” to open praise for Hamas—they help create the conditions for violence, from Washington, D.C. to Boulder to Manchester.

Leaders must do more than avoid hateful rhetoric. They must actively and unequivocally condemn it. Anything less is complicity.

On October 7, with the full backing of Iran, Hamas launched a war it hoped would result in the destruction of Israel. Two years later, Hamas and Hezbollah are far weaker, Iran’s regional influence has been dramatically curtailed, and its nuclear ambitions have faced major setbacks thanks to Israel’s resolve, American strength, and the enduring alliance of democracies determined to protect freedom over terror.

With antisemitism raging around us, the global Jewish community stands proudly, boldly, and defiantly together. We will not be intimidated.

As we mark this solemn anniversary, we stand with Israel over Hamas, democracy over terror, and life over death as we envision a brighter, more peaceful future for all—for Israel and the Palestinians, for the region, and for the world. Together we will prevail and build the secure, peaceful future where Israel and the Jewish people thrive.

*
Ted Deutch is the chief executive officer of the American Jewish Committee.