Map courtesy of CBS News.

This past weekend, during the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah, the terrorist organization Hamas launched a brutal and illegal attack on Jewish communities throughout Israel. The terrorists indiscriminately attacked Jewish neighborhoods, families, and children in an unprecedented act of terror and bloodshed.

The brutal attacks against Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists represent an affront to all humanity and the dignity of human life. My heart breaks for the lives lost to these unprovoked and vicious attacks, and my thoughts are with the families of those killed, wounded, and taken hostage. This is incredibly personal and real for millions of people across the country.

Photo courtesy of New York Times.

The United States stands in solidarity with Israel and the Israeli people during this difficult time. Earlier this week, I joined over 400 of my colleagues in condemning the unprovoked Hamas attack and underscoring the unwavering support of the U.S. for Israel. I am committed to providing Israel with the resources necessary to defend itself, free those individuals who remain held hostage by Hamas terrorists, and prevent this type of atrocity from happening again. 

Photo courtesy of New York Times.

While this conflict unfolds, it’s important to remember that while Hamas is an evil terrorist group, they do not represent the Palestinian people or innocent civilians living within Gaza and the West Bank writ-large – Hamas routinely terrorizes Palestinian civilians as well. My support for Israel and its people remains steadfast, but we must distinguish between Hamas terrorists and innocent Palestinians who are also impacted by this crisis.

American citizens in Israel impacted by the ongoing crisis have resources available to them — U.S. citizens can call the Embassy in Israel at 1-(833) 890-9595 or 1-(606) 641-0131 and are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program at https://step.state.gov/step/.

Starting Friday, October 13, the U.S. State Department will arrange charter flights to assist U.S. citizens and their immediate family members who have been unable to book commercial transit and seek a safe means of departing Israel. U.S. citizens in need of assistance should complete the crisis intake form: http://cacms.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.  

For more information, visit: https://il.usembassy.gov/ 

My office stands ready to assist anyone from New Hampshire impacted by the crisis. Please do not hesitate to contact my Concord office at 603-226-1002 if my team or I can be helpful.

It’s time for Republicans to work with Democrats on a bipartisan path forward.

I also wanted to update you on the ongoing Republican effort to elect a new Speaker of the House after extreme far-right Republicans moved to oust Kevin McCarthy as Speaker last week.

The House of Representatives operates on majority rule, and currently, the Republican conference has been unable to come to a consensus to elect a new Speaker of the House.

House Democrats stand united behind our leader, Hakeem Jeffries, and we remain committed to finding a bipartisan solution forward amidst this Republican chaos. Reasonable Republicans need to break with the far-right, work across the aisle, and put an end to this pattern of chaos.

In light of the brutal attacks in Israel last week, it’s more important than ever that the House quickly elect a Speaker so that we can get back to the important work of governing, protecting our country, and supporting our allies across the world.  It’s time for Republicans to reject the far-right extremism in their ranks that has paralyzed the House and join Democrats in making Congress work for the American people.

There’s no time to waste. We must get back to work.

Graphic photos and videos are circulating social media websites.

Staying Vigilant Online: There are growing reports of graphic and violent images and videos being posted on social media as part of Hamas’ strategy to terrorize civilians and take advantage of the current chaos in Israel and beyond. It’s important to remain vigilant and protect our children from coming across these sickening videos and images.