Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress today to speak about Israel’s response to the October 7th attacks by Hamas, a terrorist organization backed by Iran that explicitly seeks Israel’s destruction — a goal laid out in its charter and reiterated by its leaders. 

Republican and Democratic leaders of the House and Senate had invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to present “the Israeli government’s vision for defending democracy, combating terror, and establishing a just and lasting peace in the region.”  

Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey thanks lawmakers who attended the speech as Israel faces an existential crisis and attacks from multiple fronts while antisemitism linked to Israel’s actions is spiking worldwide.

We thank those leaders who attended to stand for Israel’s right to defend itself from horrific acts of terror and protect against the barbarism of October 7th happening again. They sent a powerful message to both the Jewish community at home and the United States’ enemies abroad that we stand united against Iran — which seeks to “export its Islamic Fundamentalist Revolution to the entire world,” in the words of the Ayatollah Khomeini — and Iran’s terror proxies: Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. 

We thank the U.S. leaders who attended to demonstrate unwavering commitment to supporting our allies and maintaining the strong, bipartisan ties with Israel so vital for regional stability and security. They reinforced the vital, enduring US-Israel relationship, affirmed solidarity with the people of Israel during challenging times, and acknowledged Iran’s enmity extends not just to Israel but also the United States. 

Like the United States, Israel is a democracy; its leadership changes over time. We thank the U.S. leaders who attended this speech to show respect for the democratic choice of the Israeli people and reinforce critical support for the only democracy in the Middle East. While not about endorsing the actions of any specific leader, those in attendance heard Prime Minister Netanyahu pledge victory of good vs. evil with the return of every remaining hostage and goal of dismantling Hamas’ ability to continue terrorizing Israel while using Palestinians as human shields and public relations pawns. 

Attendees heard the Prime Minister quote American, Colonel John Spencer of the Modern War Institute at West Point and considered one of the world’s leading experts on urban warfare, who attests this war has one of the lowest combatant to civilian casualty ratios of any in history and Israel takes more precautions to protect civilians than any country at war ever has — including going beyond what is required by international law.  

Having begun his speech with expressions of support, respect, and honor for hostages and their families and for the sacrifices of Israel’s brave soldiers and their families of every faith, creed, and ethnicity, the Prime Minister thanked the United States for its support and asked that it continue so this war can end that much sooner. Nearing the end of his speech, the Prime Minister described a post-war vision and path to dignity, prosperity, and peace for the people of Gaza and the entire Middle East.

In conclusion, he promised Israel will always be a loyal friend and steadfast partner to the United States and reaffirmed that he came to say thank you. 

Jewish Federation joins Prime Minister Netanyahu in thanking all elected leaders who attended to stand for truth over lies, civilization over barbarism, the sanctity of life over glorification of death, and for the enduring alliance between Israel and the United States.  

Please check back for the official roll call of attendees at today's address when it is published, and join us in thanking our community's elected officials who attended.