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Chairman Lawler Remembers October 7 Attacks, Reaffirms Commitment to Jewish Security and Israel

Pearl River, NY , October 7, 2026
Pearl River, N.Y. – 10/7/26… Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, released the following statement marking the anniversary of the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks against Israel:

“Three years ago today, the world witnessed the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Hamas terrorists murdered more than 1,000 people, committed horrific acts of sexual violence, and took hundreds hostage, including American citizens. I will never forget what I saw when I traveled to Israel shortly after the attack. I met with families whose loved ones had been murdered or taken hostage, spoke with Israeli officials, and saw firsthand the brutality Hamas unleashed on innocent civilians. The barbarity of October 7 must never be forgotten, minimized, or justified,” said Congressman Lawler.

“The rise in antisemitism we have witnessed in the United States since that day has made clear that Jewish Americans are under threat. No one should have to fear going to synagogue, sending their children to school, or openly practicing their faith. Three years later, our commitment must remain unwavering. We must fully disarm and dismantle Hamas. We must stand with Israel. And we must ensure that never again is not simply a slogan, but a commitment we live by every single day,” concluded Congressman Lawler. 

Since October 7, Lawler has made combating antisemitism, strengthening Jewish security, and supporting Israel a central focus of his work in Congress. This agenda has included: 

  • Leading the bipartisan Antisemitism Awareness Act: Lawler was the lead House sponsor of the bipartisan legislation with Rep. Josh Gottheimer to require the Department of Education to consider the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism when enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. 
  • Fighting antisemitism on college campuses: Lawler has repeatedly challenged universities, including Columbia University, over their failure to protect Jewish students from harassment and intimidation. He has argued that calls for the eradication of Jews are not protected speech and that universities must enforce their own policies against antisemitic threats and violence.
  • Supporting Jewish security funding and legislation: Lawler has co-led and supported legislation including the Jewish American Security Act, aimed at strengthening security for Jewish institutions and communities.
  • Standing with Israel: Lawler co-sponsored the Stand With Israel Act with Rep. Jared Moskowitz, legislation designed to hold international organizations accountable when they target or penalize Israel.
  • Calling for the release of all hostages: Lawler has consistently demanded that Hamas release every remaining hostage and has made clear that lasting peace requires Hamas to surrender and no longer pose a threat to Israel.
  • Calling out antisemitism across the political spectrum: Lawler has repeatedly said antisemitism must be confronted regardless of where it comes from, including publicly criticizing prominent voices on both the political right and left.
  • Fighting for Jewish Americans’ right to live without fear: Lawler has warned that Jewish Americans are under attack and has emphasized that no American should be afraid to attend synagogue or openly practice their faith.

As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, Lawler has continued to make Israel’s security, the defeat of Hamas, the release of hostages, and the fight against antisemitism central priorities of his work in Congress.

Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

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