Letter to Editor

Dear Mr. Ramesh L. Soparawala,

One week ago, Hamas launched a horrific attack against Israel, committing unspeakable terrorism and inflicting the deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. As a Jew, this is extremely painful and personal for me. We must all stand united and unequivocally condemn the vicious attack carried out by Hamas.

I strongly agree with President Joe Biden’s sentiment that, “democracies like Israel and the United States are stronger and more secure when we act according to the rule of law.” Israel has the right to defend its people and respond to these gruesome attacks, but Israel’s response must take into account the millions of innocent civilians in Gaza who themselves are victims of Hamas and are suffering the consequences of their terror campaign. I led 55 of my colleagues in a letter urging the United States to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law, protection of innocent civilians in Gaza, and full humanitarian assistance.

I extend my deepest condolences to the families of all those killed, my hopes for recovery for the countless who are wounded, and pray for the safe and immediate return of all hostages taken.

Take care,
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky