Statement on anniversary of Oct. 7 attack on Israel

“We need a path to peace”

Ashburn, VA – Today marks one year since the tragic terrorist attack on Israel that led to the loss of some 1,200 civilians, including more than 40 American citizens, and took 251 more innocent people hostage, including 12 Americans. We must never forget the brutal act of terror by Hamas that occurred that day and recognize Israel’s right to defend itself. Our prayers are with those who have been affected, especially the U.S. citizens and their families. The victims must never be forgotten.

We also recognize and grieve the tragic suffering and loss of civilian life that has occurred in places like Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank since that day. The best way to honor those affected and move forward is to find a path to peace and regional stability that helps prevent this from happening again. That path should involve returning all hostages, humanitarian aid to affected communities, and a long-term political solution, such as a two-state solution and normalization of Arab-Israel relations, that ensures communities throughout the region are able to rebuild and people in the region can live safe and prosperous lives.

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Senator Suhas Subramanyam is the Democratic nominee in Virginia’s 10th Congressional District to replace outgoing Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. Suhas has dedicated his life to public service as a State Senator, Obama White House advisor, Capitol Hill staffer, and as a Loudoun volunteer firefighter/EMT. In Richmond, he has worked across the aisle to pass gun violence prevention bills, protect democracy, and defend abortion rights. He will continue to create bipartisan legislation in Congress. Suhas resides in Ashburn, Virginia (in VA-10) with his wife, Miranda, and their two daughters.