Utah politicians commemorate anniversary of Oct. 7 Hamas attacks

Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes

SALT LAKE CITY — Several Utah politicians commemorated the first anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attacks by reaffirming support for Israel amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Republican members of Utah's congressional delegation — several of whom have visited Israel in the intervening year — have remained resolutely in support of Israel throughout its war against Hamas and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Sen. Mitt Romney said he is praying for the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and Rep. Burgess Owens said, "America stands shoulder to shoulder with our greatest ally in the Middle East."

"One year ago today, we witnessed the horrific, inhumane, and depraved terrorist acts perpetuated by Hamas against the people of Israel," Romney said on the social platform X. "I continue to stand with Israel and pray for the safe return of hostages and for the Israeli soldiers defending their country. I also pray for an end to the rampant antisemitism we are witnessing in our own country and across the world. Hamas' reign of terror must end."

Sen. Mike Lee noted that many hostages taken by Hamas are still missing, including four Americans. About 1,200 people — most of them civilians — were killed in kibbutzes and at a music festival in Israel one year ago. Nearly 42,000 people have been killed in the subsequent bombardment of Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities.

"Many within the terrorist leadership of Hamas and their Hezbollah allies have since been killed and scattered, but the poisonous hatred which drove the October 7th attacks still infects our world — from the Middle East, our own college campuses in America," Lee said. "Please join me in praying for the people of Israel, for peace, and for the ultimate defeat of those who harm the innocent."

Owens issued a statement saying he "(continues) to support strong American leadership that rejects antisemitism at home and abroad, ends appeasement efforts with Iran, and supports the defense and security of the state of Israel."

Rep. John Curtis, who lived in Israel in 1979 when the Camp David Accords were signed to establish peace between Israel and Egypt, said he remembers a time when the "ongoing fragility Israel has faced throughout its existence" was more present in the minds of Americans.

"In recent weeks, Israel has brought to justice those who have harmed not only their nation but our citizens, too. That alone should solidify the United States' deep and unwavering support," he said. "As we commemorate this heartbreaking day, I want the Jewish people to know I stand with them, always. In their mourning, I mourn. In their peace and prosperity, I share their joy. May there be abundant peace from heaven, and life, for us and all Israel."

Caroline Gleich, a Democrat who is running against Curtis in the race for Romney's U.S. Senate seat, said: "One year later, it's incumbent on all of us to continue working toward the release of all remaining hostages and toward lasting peace in the region. We cannot forget the atrocities of October 7th."

"Today, we remember the innocent lives lost and the families forever changed. We also remember the resilience of the Israeli people. In the face of terror, Israel stood strong," Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said in a statement. "We reaffirm Utah's unwavering support for Israel and its fight against terrorism. We stand with our Jewish community in Utah, holding dear the values of freedom, safety and peace."

Related topics

Utah congressional delegationIsrael-HamasUtahPoliticsWorld

Bridger Beal-Cvetko

• 
• 

Bridger Beal-Cvetko is a reporter for KSL.com. He covers politics, Salt Lake County communities and breaking news. Bridger has worked for the Deseret News and graduated from Utah Valley University.