Attorney General William Tong issued a statement on the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attack on Israel. Reflecting on the past year, Tong acknowledged the ongoing grief and suffering experienced by families affected by the attacks.
"It has been one year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. One year of immense grief for the families of the innocent victims senselessly seized and slaughtered," said Tong. He emphasized the plight of hostages and their families who continue to hope for their safe return, stating, "One terrible year of unimaginable suffering for the remaining hostages and their families who fight fiercely every day for a safe return."
Tong reaffirmed Israel's right to self-defense, asserting that "Israel has an unequivocal right to defend itself and to ensure its people and families never again suffer such terror." He called for an end to conflict and suffering in both Israel and Gaza, expressing his support for peace efforts: "All people of good faith and conscience want this conflict to end and the death and suffering to stop-- for Israel, for Gaza, and all innocent families who deserve lasting peace and safety."
In closing, Attorney General Tong pledged continued support for Jewish communities at home: "For my part, I will continue to support the Israeli people in pursuit of those goals. And I will do all that I can to make sure Jewish families and faith communities are safe and supported here at home."