NOW-NYC Statement on Hamas Terrorist Attack on Israeli Civilians

October 12, 2023 – On behalf of our staff and leaders we condemn the kidnapping of civilians and the brutal surprise attacks in Israel that have left 1,200 dead, many seriously injured and a nation traumatized. We grieve for those who have been murdered and for their loved ones. We stand with the world in condemning the capture and kidnapping of an estimated 150 women, children and men and pray for their safe return. Initial reports of sexual violence as part of this attack are deeply concerning and any such war crimes must be fully investigated. As a New York-based human rights organization, we stand in solidarity with our many Jewish colleagues, members, volunteers, advocate partners, neighbors, friends and family members who are grappling with this heinous crime against the Jewish people and against humanity. Yesterday President Biden called last week’s terrorist attack on Jewish civilians the deadliest day since the Holocaust and said that “silence is complicity.” We heed his clarion call to remember the past, to bear witness in the present, and to not remain silent.