Bonamici Statement on October 7th Anniversary

At this time of escalating fear, hate, and division, we should all work together for a more peaceful country and world. In the 3 years since the horrific mass murders and kidnappings by Hamas on October 7, there has been tremendous grief and loss. There has also been a disproportionate war in the Middle East. Tens of thousands of civilians, including children, have been killed in Gaza, and settlers have increased violence against and forcibly displaced Palestinians in the West Bank. The war and violence must end now, and we must pursue a global, humanitarian response with immediate negotiations led by the region to create two states. Our focus should be on ending violence and promoting peace. As the artist Lorraine Schneider wrote on her celebrated poster, "war is not healthy for children and other living things."

Since October 7, we have seen a steep increase in attacks against Jewish people and communities, including on college campuses in the United States. These attacks imply that some hold all Jewish people responsible for actions of the Israeli government. This is antisemitism and must be condemned.

Targeting Jewish people and organizations, like the recent hateful act at the University of Oregon, is dangerous and wrong. Every student has a right to be safe and feel safe at school. Institutes of higher education should be places where issues can be vigorously discussed and debated and ideas exchanged freely, not places of fear, intimidation, and violence.