With the cable industry cspan has provided complete coverage of the halls of congress, house and Senate Floors to congressional hearings, party briefings and committee meetings. Cspan give you a front row seat to the issues are debated and decided with no commentary, no interruption and completely unfiltered. Cspan, and so the view of government. Next remarks by the granddaughter of the late israeli Prime MinisterYitzhak Rabin recounted her experience as a survivor of hamas attacks on the Music Festival in israel on october seven. She spoke alongside members of congress, jewish and the leaders and Biden Administration officials. This event was hosted by the conference of president s of major American Jewish organizations. It runs an hour and 45 minutes. [inaudible conversations] good morning. I am harwich fleischer, and i have the honor of being the chair of the conference of president s of major American Jewish organizations. We gather in our Nations Capital in sadness and morning. October 7 was the darkest day in modern israeli history. As news reports last week turned to unimaginable numbers, 1300 dead, 4000 wounded, almost 200 kidnapped,st our shock turned to fear, anger, disbelief and utter devastation. We mourn the loss of precious life. We pray for the healing of wounds that will never fully manned. And today we wear these blue ribbons, an initiative started in hope for the safe return of our brothers and sisters now held hostage in gaza. Rch teaches we should not be daunted by the enormity of the world grief. Ef instead, we are commanded always to act, always a way to shape our world, not merely be shaped by it. And today we gather together as the sages construct. To do justly, to love mercy, to walk him and to face grief with action. And we gather in washington to say to the world, we stand with israel. We stand with israel not merely with our words with our deeds, with action. I join today by the heads of our 50 National Organizations and dozens of local Jewish Federations from across the country representing a broad and Diverse Coalition of American Jewishad life. And we are eternally grateful for elected leaders who are here this morning to share their own words of support. Our presence together in this historic synagogue in our Nations Capital gives us comfort and strength. Only by working together can we ensure that israel will have what it needs in its war with hamas. Only by acting together can we have a safer, stronger and better tomorrow. That belief in a better day, that hope has carried our people for thousands of years. May carry us through these dark dayst together. And now its my honor to welcome to lead us in the singing of Americas National anthem and israels National Anthem of hope. Oh, say, can you see by the dawns early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilights last gleaming . Whose broad stripes and bright stars thro the perilous fight oer the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming and the rockets red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof through the night that our flag was still there oh, say, does that starspangled banner yet wave oer the land of the free and the home of the brave . My name is julie platt dress up as chair of the board of prestige of the Jewish Federations of north america. Representing the 146 146 jeh federations in the United States and canada, and hundreds of smaller network communities. Im join today in the sanctuary by representatives of dozens of federations who have flown in from around the country to participate in this important gathering. For more than a century the Jewish Federation system has participated in the greatys caue of creating, building, growing and protecting the state of israel, aot jewish homeland. Through israels greatest triumphs and her greatest challenges weve organized, weve mobilized, we have raised funds and weve embraced israel with love and solidarity. Today in israels darkest hour were determined to work even harder and love even more deeply to help her heel and rebuild. Following last weeks horrific acts of terrorism by artist in support of u. S. Israel relationship has h never been me important. That is why i am especially honored to introduce our next speaker, the Senate Republican leader and a longtime advocate for his parties support of the u. S. Israel relationship, senator Mitch Mcconnell. From his serviceur on the reappropriation skin made when he was a leader on the programs most important to israel. Two was more than 16 years as Republican Senate leader making the longestserving party leader in Senate History senator Mitch Mcconnell has been deeply involved in critical pro israel issues. In the aftermath of the recent attacks that it once again tested the strength of israels people and the Jewish Community across the globe, we are proud to be joined by a leader who for decades has demonstrated unwavering support for israel during its most challenging times. Please join me in welcoming Senate Republican leader Mitch Mcconnell. El [applause] good morning. Thank you very much for coming to washington. Like everyone here i am deeply saddened by the circumstances surrounding this. I stand with the people of israel in their grief and in their pain as they face down existential evil. And i stand with you and with the jewish communities around the world as you face alarming new varieties of the insidious ageold scourge of antisemitis antisemitism. My message to you today is about how the United States and the entire civilized world needs to respond. We are facing a moment that the mans moral clarity that demands this is a time for choosing, and the choice is crystalclear. We must stand with americas closest ally in the middle east, with the people of israel, with those held hostage by terrorists, and with their families and we must condemn barbaric terrorists, their evil sponsors, and the legacy of hatred towards jews that has stained the World History for millennia. [applause] todays gathering and our mission in the coming days is a powerful reminder that the burden of standing against terror, defending sovereignty, deterring authoritarian aggression, and condemning hate is not israels alone to bear. Israels fight is the fight of the entire civilized world. [applause] this is americas cause, too, and it demands leadership. People with the platform need to start by establishing loud and clear who are the victims and who are the aggressors. [applause] we need to push back against the false both sides narrative you are hearing in the media. We need to denounce antisemitic hate whatever it occurs. And we need to show the rest of the world by our words and our actions that there simply is no moral equivalence between terrorism and selfdefense. [applause] our country needs to lead by calling on countries with relations with hamas to push immediately and forcefully, release the hostages. [applause] we need to lead countries with influence in the region to deny a safe haven to those who a and about terrorists violence aid and abet. We need to make sure america, israel, and our allies will be watching closely how they answer the call. America needs to reestablish credible deterrence against iran. We need to show the regime that stakes its existence on pursuing the extension of israel and the united United States, that our resolve is rocksolid. That means giving maximum support for israels counterterrorism operations, for as long as it takes. [applause] it also means getting back to investing in the sort of american strength that canen protect our people, equip our allies, and lead the coalition to destroy the terrorists who threaten the entire civilized world. This is what i will be fighting for in the coming weeks as the Senate Considers the resources we put into our defense, and additional assistance we need for israel and other democracies facing authoritarian aggression from europe to the pacific. So as you embark on an essential mission, i want to thank you all for your leadership. May god bless you and keep you safe, and may god bless israel and the United States of america. [applause] good morning. I am Jonathan Greenblatt, ceo and National Director of the Antidefamation League. I want to thank leader mcconnell for his clear and unequivocal remarks in support of the state of israel. [applause] at a time when moral clarity seems to be in short supply at many universities, in many newsrooms, in many boardrooms. Lets be thankful for speaker mcconnell. Lets be thankful for the other members of congress who are here today for the leadership of the administration, their presence today reminds uss that america and israel are rocksolid together, and its bipartisan. [applause] and they are rocksolid together, because hamas is a hate group, at Terror Organization that is a product of the Islamic Republic of iran. And as we think about the 1400 people who were murdered, who were mutilated, the women raped, the children brutalized. Some children executed in front of their parents. Some parents executor in front of their children. D these were our american atrocities, and they were committed not just against israelis, although that would br more than enough, but also against americans. You see, again this isnt just israels right. This is americas fight. This is a fight of the free world against terror. Thats what this is actually about. [applause]e]. Hope this will finally put to bed what we all know is true anti zion is in antisemitism it should not be tolerated anywhere under any circumstances. [applause] now again i want to thank the extraordinary unwavering leadership in congress from both sides of the aisle who joined with us today. We are fortunate to have them in their unflinching support. I hope they will consider as they contemplate what they can do in this moment to support our do in this moment to support our ally, israel. I hope it will include supporta for a new 500 Million Dollar life saving Nonprofit Security Grant Program request that can help secure the American Jewish community against the tidal wave of antisemitism thats coming. Let me tell you, its not just coming, its here. Since the attack, since the massacre, since the slaughter, adl has tracked more than 400 increase in antijewish acts. Im talking harassment, vandalism and violence. And thats just in the first week. We know this will intensify. Our counterparts in london report a 580 increase in antisemitic attacks across the u. K. Our counterparts in france, more than 200 incidents in the last week alone, 65 arrests. So something isnt coming, its already here and my friends from capitol hill, you can help to protect the Jewish Community. Thank you for your leadership and thank you for what we hope you will do. [applause] now, our next guest had an exemplary career for the people of israel, a diplomate extensively involved in the Abraham Accords and todays israel deputy ambassador to the United States and today hes pinch hitting for our dear friend, dr. Michael herzog 0 would have been here were it not for the fact that President Biden is preparing to depart for israel so ambassador herzog needed to be there in advance. In this moment of crisis, in this hour of need, his voice is absolutely critical, so mr. Deputy ambassador, each of us here today want to express our profound shared grief with the people of israel. All of us, all of us have family or friends, colleagues, loved ones, who have been directly affected by this grotesque crime and all of our hearts are scarred and broken, but equally important, as much as we are hurting, we are resolved and we want to share with you and the nation you help a message of strength and solidarity from the American Jewish community to the people of israel. And we with combined leadership stand with you and so with all of our brothers and sisters in israel, and as you fight to protect the jewish state we will stand with you every step of the way. So, friends, please join me in welcoming the deputy ambassador, his excellency. [applause] thank you, jonathan, for those warm and welcoming words. Thank you, senator. Thank you senators for being here. Thank you members of congress. Thank you secretary mayorkas. Thank you dear friends and colleagues, brothers and sisters. Id like to thank the organizing this united and solidarity gathering together with all the partners of the leading jewish organizations in the United States from across the country. And more than over 100 representatives from Jewish Federations from across the country. As jonathan said, ambassador herzog is on the way to israel as we speak and to join President Bidens visit. He wishes he could have been here and he sends his heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your ongoing support. 10 days ago on the morning of october 7th, 2023 hamas initiated a war against the state of israel. This aggression marred what should have been a festive and joyful 7th of october for the jewish people, instead, we are confronted with a devastating reality of hamas unprovoked actions. Over 1400 lives lost to date. More than 3500 wounded. About 200 kidnapped, we still do not know the final numbers and thousands of families and lives forever changed. These victims are not just statistics, they were individuals with hopes, with dreams, and aspirations. Taken from us in the most cruel way imaginable. The scenes, reports and images from many communities around gaza strip are horrifying. Victims were tortured and executed in the most gruesome ways at the hands of inhuman terrorists. Bodies mutilated, hands tied behind the victims back, heads decapitated. Blood soaked bed sheets, and about 200 hostages. We still dont know the exact number and at this moment i would like to call everyone in this room and everyone who can possibly hear to do your utmost to demand and bring about the Immediate Release of those kidnapped. [applause] for me, like most israelis, weve been personally impacted by this. My brother lives adjacent to the crossing, for 12 hours he sheltered in his safe room with his wife and children without contact with the outside world. But he survived. Hamas is a barbaric terrorist organization worse than isis, that incites violence and attacks civilians and takes its own people hostage. Since saturday, october 7th, hamas has fired and continuing to fire over 6,900 rockets as of this morning into israel, targeting homes, hospitals, and cities all across the country. Hamas fires these rockets from densely Populated Areas and buildings, including from within under schools, hospitals and mosques, putting innocent civilians and children at risk. Israel continues to offer evacuation routes amid consistent warnings to civilians of rocket attacks. Israel is working hard to get innocent people out of harms way while hamas is working hard to put people in harms way. Hamas has been actively preventing its own population from leaving portions of the gaza strip. Indeed, hamas is using its own palestinian population as human shields. Lets be clear, Hamas Terrorists are not Freedom Fighters who represent the ambitions and aspirations of the palestinian people. Their goal is to annihilate the state of israel and kill every jewish man, woman and child. My friends, israel is at war. Israel did not choose to start this war, but israel will end it. As we respond, idf, with unof the worlds most moral militaries will act in accordance with national law and ethics. Make no mistake, like every other nation in the world, israel has the right, in fact, the duty to defend its citizen against the brutality of terrorism. We will ensure the hamas war machine is eliminated and to do that, we will not and we shall not apologize. [applause] and this is a message we are sending, also, to any possible foe out there, as President Biden stated in a message, one word, dont. Right now thousands of israelis who have lived in communities around the gaza strip for decades have been displaced from their homes and cant go back. And this reality were seeing now in the north. In a way, theyre refugees in their own land. This feeling is one that sadly my brothers family and their friends have experienced for too many years. But the past 10 days have demonstrated a strength and resilience of israel and the israelis people. In these difficult times our unity prevails. We have each others backs. [applause] much like the people of israel, the Jewish Community in america remains united. It doesnt matter whether we are reformed, conservative, orthodox, religious or secular, this unity is a testament to the strength and resilience of people who have overcome adversity throughout history and are determined to prevail. Yes, there are rising concerns of the security and safety of jewish communities also here in america. We are in close dialog with the administration here and i know you all are as well and id like to take this opportunity and to thank secretary mayorkas and your team and all the Law Enforcement agencies and authorities across the country for doing their utmost to allow for the safety and security for the jewish communities around the country. Thank you. [applause] as we look ahead in the coming days and weeks, the medias portrayal of this war will and actually already is shifting. There will be images and reports for some to change the narrative and we are already seeing demonstrations, including here in washington d. C. It is time that the United States continues to support and stand shoulder to shoulder with israel, our two countries were founded on the bedrock of freedom and democracy with a shared commitment to oppose terrorism. Tomorrow President Biden will alive in israel and he will be the first United States president to come to israel during a time of war. And this sends a very Crystal Clear message of the support and solidarity to the people of israel. [applause] this show of solidarity resonates deeply with myself and with the people of israel. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his unequivocal and lifelong support to the country and to the state of israel. Id also like to thank all of you for being involved in caring deeply about our state. Please continue carrying our narrative throughout the halls of government and congress. This war is good versus evil and is a nonpartisan issue. [applause] since our independence 75 years ago and even before, israel and jews have been forced to live by our swords. While we do aspire and pray for the day that the prophesy can be realized, nations shall not lift up sword against nation, neither should they learn war anymore. And until that day, we must remember to stay united, as we face challenges that come tomorrow. In the face of adversity, we do stand strong. Hamas underestimated us. Israel is resolute, united and will prevail. [applause] well merge victorious from this war. We are one people. [applause] thank you very much, deputy ambassador. Im the president of apac, israeliamerican Public Affairs committee. Powerless to access the halls of power, we had no government or access, today were not in that position, in fact, the leader of the senate is one of us, a jew. [applause] for senator schumer, this is, indeed, personal and hes often told me of his name, schumer, the guardian, the guardian of the jewish people. And this week, the senator has shown why he is the guardian of the jewish people. Not only speaking out forcefully about what happened and israels need to dismantle hamas and a space he needs to do so, but taking a bipartisan delegation to israel in the midst of war to show support for the u. S. Israel relationship and that the United States will always stand with israel. [applause] please join me in a warm welcome for our schumer, the senator majority leader, chuck schumer. [applause] thank you, everybody. Thank you so much. Thanks for being here. Thank you for the honor of addressing you during these terribly difficult times. I come before you and share with you a heart of grief, a hole that will really never be filled. Something we will now think of every day for the rest of our lives. I come shaken by anger, by fear, but with a resolve to act. [applause] the people israel lives and will not be defeated. [applause] as was mentioned, i returned just yesterday after leading a bipartisan delegation to israel. Senators kelly and rosen. Senators romney and cassidy, we traveled to israel, went into a war zone to develop a simple and unmistakable message. To israel we said, we have your back. [applause] we share your pain. The ache, but we have your back. And in the coming week, under my leadership, with the good support of senator mcconnell who you heard from a few minutes ago, the United States senate will do Everything Possible to help israel win and totally eliminate the threat hamas presents. [applause] this is a trip, as i mentioned, ill remember for the rest of my life. A visit to the only jewish state on earth facing the darkest hour of its 75year history. We held a lot of productive meetings. We met with israels most senior leadership, but the most memorable meeting was with 12 families of hostages. Nothing prepared us for the grief we felt talking to the families. There was not a dry eye in the room on the senate side or on their side. Looking at the little videos, the 12yearold boy being led away. A 60yearold elderly woman being taken and watching their families look at them as one of them said, every second is a year, as they sit with the agony of wondering whats happening to their loved ones. Hamas is brutal. Hamas is brutal. Being with the hostages broke our hearts. Today, unfortunately, that number of hostages keeps growing, 200, including americans, it is of utmost importance that every single one of these hostages to face this. [applause] the reason im sort of rushing now is in a few minutes, the five of us who traveled are getting on the phone with President Biden before he goes to israel and talking about what we learned and what we believe and he believes needs to be done to bring the hostages home safely. There are no words for the horror that happened on october 7th. Its shaken me as its shaken you, to my core. The most jews killed in a single day since the holocaust. More died on the 7th reminding us of the darker days. The days go on, the stories of viciousness and brutality only become more heart wrenching. I was told about the kibbutz where hamas herded everyone, over 100 members of the kibbutz into a rec room, some in their 80s and some of them babies and then they machine gunned everyone down and reminded me of my family. We all have stories. My greatgrandmother was the wife of a rabbi and they told them to gather in the town square and my greatgrandmother was wellknown because her husband was wellknown, told to gather on the porch. 35 gathered from the 80s to three months and they said youre coming with us. And she said no, they machine gunned every one of them down so we jews know of this type of horror, and thats why were so resolute to make sure it doesnt happen again. Today people move on fast in this new world. But for supporters of israel, we cannot move past the horrific atrocities committed by hamas. The world just cant move on and say, well, that was yesterday because if the threat that hamas has is not eliminated, it will come back again. Let us not forget, and when i met with xi jinping a week ago, i was in china when all of this happened, and i actually got the chinese to somewhat improve their original statement which did not include hamas and he said we believe in a twostate solution and i said, yeah, but hamas doesnt. Hamas doesnt believe there should be any jews anywhere from the mediterranean to the jordan. If hamas had its way, it would do to all the rest of the jews in israel what they did to the jews along the gaza strip. Their covenant calls for it. We must not allow it. So america will stand with its ally israel and i will leave the effort in the United States senate to provide israel with the support needed to fully defend itself from this monstrous attack. We sat down with israeli leaders, they asked us got a list of what they needed, so many things, like jrams and more help for iron dome. We saw the effect of iron dome and you may have seen this in the news. We were having lunch at our hotel in tel aviv when we were rushed into a shelter because rockets that hamas had launched from gaza were nearby. Praise god, were all okay. We just had to be there once, it actually happened again twice, israelis were with us every day. So they need that help. I spoke with the president yesterday and there will be a significant amount of humanitarian aid, thats a good thing, to help innocent victims who have nothing to do with hamas, israelis and palestinians, but we have to make sure, its very important, that none, none of that aid ever reaches any part of hamas. [applause] during this difficult time israel will have americas support. We will not just talk, we will act. Im not waiting for the house. We are going to move the aid through the senate as quickly as possible and i do believe if we get a strong bipartisan vote in the senate, it will force the house in whatever way they decide to act. Such a difficult task israel has. Eliminate the threat of hamas, rescue the hostages, but because were a democracy, believe in the rule of war and the rule of law and try to avoid unnecessary loss of human life, including innocent civilians, whether they be palestinian or israeli. Thats such a difficult task. It is so hard to do but i have great faith that the israelis, if anyone can accomplish this here it is they. One more note and our ambassador brought it up, we see our secretary here. Im deeply concerned about the spread of antisemitism at this time. Some of the reactions to this terrorist attack on israel have been appalling, shameful, antisemitic. Ive been assured by President Biden, by secretary mayorkas, and others, as well as local Law Enforcement in my home state of new york, that the entire government, that the federal, state and local levels are focused on protecting jewishamericans from antisemitic attacks and im looking at a program i authored the nonsecurity Grant Program to help our institutions, our religious institutions, our synagogues, our jccs for safety and ive tripled this program over the last few years and i will be fighting in the upcoming budget to increase it by even more. [applause] my friends, october 7th is a day that no doubt will live in infamy. My prayers are with all of those killed and taken hostage, their families, the thousands injured. May the memories of the dead be a blessing and a source of strength to all of us as we navigate the road ahead with the spirit and solidarity of purpose, but we know one thing, as it says in every generation, they have risen to afflict us, but we know one more thing, whether its in america or in israel, the nation of israel lives. [applause] 6 thank you, leader schumer for your powerful words. Good morning, my name is ted deutch, im the chief executive officer of the Jewish American committee and an honor to be with all of you jewish leaders from around the country. Before i introduce our next speaker, announce there are members of congress from around the country for those for the jewish who have been fighting the battles and i would ask them to stand so we can acknowledge their presence. [applause] i also, i shouldnt do this because there are others who probably deserve to be introduced, but, as we have witnessed rising antisemitism in america and staggering increases in antisemitism around the world, how blessed are we in the American Jewish community to have leading the battle against antisemitism, our special envoy to combat antisemitism, ambassador debra libstat. [applause] all right. Now, it is my honor to introduce a congressman who not only leads the legislative agenda of his party, but who is a true advocate for israel, on its brightest days and in its darkest hours. Hes the top democrat in the house of representatives and for more than a decade, the pro Israel Movement has been fortunate to count on Hakeem Jeffries leadership. Hakeem and i served side by side for 10 years. He never waivered in his support for israel and stood strong for the Jewish Community and i traveled with hakeem and i saw him express his commitment and the way he showed his care just for the state of israel and its leaders, but for the civilians we met with, the idf soldiers we met with and every opportunity that hakeem had to act, he interacted with his emotions and his leadership for israel on his sleeve. He understands that israel, even in the wake of a tragedy unseen since the days of the holocaust, will only grow more resilient as israel is facing its most perilous day, hakeem wrote, we will do everything to support israels effort to defeat hamas in its bare barbarity. And you come to washington to give a speech and this is not an invitation to a political activist to talk to a leading member of congress about their issues. This is a moment when a Group Representing a tiny minority of the United States population comes to washington because our ancesteral homeland of israel and the people of israel are under attack by Hamas Terrorists, sworn to its destruction, terrorists who are todays isis, and that group of proud americans, this group here, wants its closest friends in congress to note how deeply, how deeply grateful we are for their support. Leader jeffries, i no longer serve beside you in congress, today i serve alongside this Remarkable Group of jewish leaders in america and join them in welcoming you as a strong of our community, a strong voice for israels right to defend itself and our good friend. Ladies and gentlemen, please join me in welcoming my dear, personal friend, the leader of the Democratic House of representatives, Hakeem Jeffries. Good morning, thank you so much, good friend, former colleague, ted deutch for kind and generous words of introduction, for his leadership. I worked closely with ted for 10 years on the Judiciary Committee and im thankful that we have such a tremendous leader in ted for such a moment as difficult as this one. To all of my colleagues in the house of representatives, Senate Majority leader, chuck schumer, minority leader mcconnell, ambassador herzog, to majority leader scalise, to harriet, to william, noa, who survived the horrible Music Festival attacks, and who all of the incredible leaders assembled, i wish we were meeting under better circumstances, but it is an honor to stand with you in solidarity today. [applause] ten days ago we watched in horror and heartbreak as hamas launched an unprovoked calculated and barbaric attack against the bait of israel and the jewish people. Hamas intentionally targeted and slaughtered israelis in their homes, fired thousands of rockets at civilian areas, decimated entire communities, including neighborhoods i have personally visited. Kidnapped women, children, young people and seniors who are now being held in gaza in harrowing conditions. Let me reiterate without hesitation that hamas must be desize decisively defeated for the good of israel, for the good of the palestinian people, for the region, and for the good of this world. [applause] since 2013 as many of you know, ive had the opportunity to represent the 8th Congressional District in brooklyn, one of the most diverse districts in america. As some of you know, as ted knows, historically, its the 9th most africanamerican district in the country, and the 16th most jewish. A good friend, leon goldenberg says to me often, hakeem, youve got the best of both worlds. The best of both worlds. [applause] now, at home in brooklyn, i have the privilege of representing the entire landscape of the jewish diaspora. I represent the secular Jewish Community, the reform Jewish Community, the conservative Jewish Community, the orthodox Jewish Community, the modern orthodox Jewish Community, the ultra orthodox Jewish Community and more russian speaking jewish immigrants from the former soviet union than any other member of congress in the country. [applause] i mean, Hakeem Jeffries, who knew . Only in america. But i want to make it clear that i stand in support of the Jewish Community that i represent in brooklyn. I stand in support of the Jewish Community in north america. I stand in support of the Jewish Community in israel. I stand in support of the Jewish Community all across this world. [applause] all across this world. Now, this week portion is in it god says to noah, the earth is filled with righteousness. The land filled with evil was described in hebrew hamas, hamas. God and noah had to step in and rid the land of evil that engulfed it and save the good that was left. Consequences would come to wrong doers. This portion ends with a flood that eradicates evil and a flood that saves noah from it and remind us of the role that israel must now play in eradicating evil. The International Laws of war will respect the Palestinian Civilians who have been callusly put in harms way by a terrorist regime in gaza, of course, should and will be respected. However, this is a moment for accountability and hamas will be washed away. [applause] hamas will be washed away. Israel has the unequivocal right to defend itself against hamas and all of her enemies. Indeed, israel has the sovereign responsibility to respond to the terror, respond to the brutality and respond to the atrocities committed against its people. Hamas attacked israel because hamas wants to wipe israel off the face of the earth. So let me be clear. Israel has a right to exist as a jewish and democratic state. Our commitment to israels security is ironclad and the special relationship between the United States and israel is unbreakable. [applause] unbreakable. As we move forward during this challenging moment, as israel successfully prosecutes the war against hamas, also reiterate my commitment to the aspirational goal of one day achieving a lasting peace between israel and the palestinian people. We can never we can never abandon that aspiration as it can serve as a lamp post, even in the midst of the tyranny of uncertainty, but peace will not be possible until hamas is decisively defeated and permanently eliminated from the landscape. Over the last few days, ive spoken with many friends and Community Leaders in the Jewish Community at home and throughout america. I know that this pain is real. And theres an understandable, visceral feeling of intense vulnerability. But i want the Jewish Community to know that you are not alone. You have friend in the Africanamerican Community all throughout the country too numerous to mention, who are standing with you. The africanamerican mayor of new york city, the largest city in america, stands with you. [applause] the only africanamerican governor in the nation, from the neighboring state of maryland, stands with you. [applause] the africanamerican secretary of state who recently visited israel in a show of solidarity stands with you. [applause] and the highest ranking africanamerican ever to serve in the United States congress in the history of this great country stands with you and israel today. [applause] you have friends in the Africanamerican Community and we will stand with you and stand with israel and crush antisemitism, bury it to the ground. The road ahead, as i close, will not be easy. But the state of israel is strong and the jewish people are resilient. The jewish people have been resilient for thousands of years. Of pain, persecution, and the holocaust, a horrific crime against humanity. The jewish people will resilient during the war of independence in 1948. The jewish people will resilient during the suez conflict in 1956. The jewish people were resilient during the sixday war in 1967. The jewish people were resilient during the yom kippur war in 1963. They were resilient during the first ent fadda and the second, and in 2006. And the about resilience of the people will assure that israel will stand today, israel will stand tomorrow, israel will stand always and forever, god bless you. God bless israel, god bless the United States of america. [applause] good morning. Steve lyles, ceo friends of the idf. As we sit here 21 agricultural communities along the south have all been evacuated. Over 25 communities the northern galilee, the border have been evacuated. None of us in our nightmare would have used the term to our precious homeland. But thats whats become of israel. Today, instead of young men and young women sitting in the halls of universities, engaged in hightech, acting as therapists as nurses, doctors, these young men and young women have been called up literally in the course of 30 hours, the idf tripled in size. The largest callup in the history of israel. Today were speaking about a situation that is so critical there are more active soldiers in israel than there are in all of the United States armed forces as we speak. Were in a state of crisis. An existential state of crisis. And today to address us, we welcome congressman steve scalise. Hes been an incredible friend of israel from day one. Hes not just a friend, hes been a leader. Hes thoughtful, hes substantive, hes a man who is engaged. Hes an lsu tiger and when i say an lsu tiger, hes a tiger for ethics, for morals and for justice. Congressman scalise is no stranger to terror, having been the victim of terror himself. When he was in the state in the hospital, the first world leader that reached out to him was bibi netanyahu. On that phone call, they compared and contrasted their wounds as bibi himself on the famous raid on the sabina airplane was hijacked as well. Its an honor to have a friend, a leader, we as jews, give the highest compliment of any on earth. Amongst the righteous of the nations. Our lsu tiger, steve scalise. [applause] well, thank you so much for that introduction and for all of you welcoming me and for what youre doing to come together. Jewish leaders, people that understand what is at stake when i was in that hospital back in 2017 and bibi called and just to show the love between our two nations, it really wasnt just about the personal connection, but the love between the United States and israel that bonds, that is inseparable and he shared the story about losing his brother at the raid, but also mention that he was shot himself and we shared some other stories, too, and always had a strong bond, but we know whats at stake right now. We know that as we look at what you represent an incredibly diverse range of religious and ideological viewpoints, todays event is an impressive signal to the world that we must all stand united in the face against terrorism. [applause] let me say this clearly. Israel is at war and america will stand united with israel and her peoples right to defend themselves from these barbaric attacks. [applause] weve seen the numbers, over 1400 people barbarically murdered, thousands more injured, hostages being held in gaza. Americans included in those numbers. Ive had some of my own colleagues going over to israel just last week to help get people out. We all know people that are trying to help evacuate people. Weve seen over 6,000 rockets fired at israel. This war will not be easy. The iranbacked Hamas Terrorists to committed these atrocities, spent not just weeks, but probably years planning this attack. Their attack struck deliberately at the most vulnerable. Young people at a Music Festival. Elderly people. Children, reports of beheadings, disabled. Israel holds itself to a higher standard. There can be no equivalence between the pure evil of hamas and israels effort to defend itself against terror. [applause] these terrorists must be eradicated and their iranian backers must be punished as well. Now, clearly in the house were working to get the house back open, but as the majority leader, i have been working with leaders in the house for over a week now, in a bipartisan way. Chairman mccall and Ranking Member meaks have worked together on a legislative package when we get the house back open, the first order of business will be a strong legislative action with over 400 cosponsors, bipartisan, expressing our strong support of israel and its right to defend themselves in this war. [applause] it unequivocally condemns hamas and its iranian backers. We currently have 423 out of 434 members of congress signed on in an amazing bipartisan show of support a piece of legislation we will pass this week and show the world where we stand. Were also working with the Israeli Government and this Biden Administration to prepare military assistance so that we can replenish the iron dome and Critical Military needs. We will be there for israel as we always have to make sure they have the tools they need to defend themselves as these attacks continue and as they continue to go and fight this war. Were drafting [applause] worked with other Committee Chairman to make sure were drafting legislation to target hamas. Palestinian islamic jihad, hezbollah and other iranian backed terrorists against israel and well crack down on iran and blocking relief of the 6 billion ransom payment thats frozen right now. [applause] and were also preparing legislation to impose stronger sanctions against irans oil revenue thats brought tens of billions of dollars to help finance terrorist organizations. We have to cut off their source of funding because we know iran has been partnering with terrorist organizations for way too long, and its been welldocumented what theyve been doing behind the scenes and even in front of the scenes. We have to continue to be aggressive against iran as well. As we look to support israel and confront our shared enemies, we must also look inward. The gleeful celebration of hamas murder of israelis and open antisemitism displayed in the cities and elite universities should be a wakeup call. We must confront antisemitism wherever it is found and the leaders of major american institutions must also stand up to defend the values they support supposedly claim to cherish. Antisemitism lurks its head wherever its allowed, we cannot allow antisemitism to emerge in this. [applause] since israels founding, america has proudly been not just the first nation to recognize israel, but weve always stood by the promise of a jewish state. As israel takes the fight to these blood thirsty terrorists, we must continue to stand with our yet again, and israel will prevail. Thank you all. God bless the United States and god bless israel. [applause] im rabbi harold kravitz, president of the conservative movements, rabbinical assembly. We pray for the captive and pray for the hostages held in gaza, including american citizens. [speaking in language] may the one who blessed abraham, isaac, and jacob, sara, rebecca, rachel and lara, bless, watch and guard those soldiers and citizens missing and held captive. May the holy one of blessing protect and grant mercy upon them. Take them out from darkness and bring them back safely to their families and say amen. My name is rabbi erica ash, im the president of the central conference of american rabbis. A prayer for israel. [speaking language, [. Sovereign of all the world, may think find the comfort of community, as they grieve together, may they experience a rye newed love for their country and its people. Guide israels leaders that they may act with determination and deliberation, implant within israels people, compassion, strength and resolve. May they be norrished by our love and support. We pray for shalom in the land we love and let us say amen. Im Samantha Brody from Brandeis University and the cochair of the student cabinet and joined by my cochair, a student at university of florida. A prayer for our country. Oh guardian of life and liberty may our nation always merit your protection. Teach us to give thanks for what we have by sharing it with those in need. Keep our eyes open to the wonders of creation, and alert to the care of the earth. May we never be lazy in the work of peace. May we honor those who have died in defense of our ideals. Grant our leaders with forebearance. May they govern with justice and compassion. Help us all to appreciate one another and to respect the many ways that we may share a few. May our homes be safe from affliction and strive and our country be sound in body and in spirit. May we say amen. And rabbi of the Orthodox Union and have the privilege to close the session by having the prayer for the pure and virtues army of the Defense Forces and please ask you to rise for that prayer. [prayer] [speaking foreign language] blessed our forefathers, abraham and jacob and may we bless the forces, soldiers dedicated their lives to protect and defend the innocent and stand over guard of our cities from the border of lebanon to the desert of the egypt. From the great sea to the approach, on the land on the air and sea, may the almighty cause our enemies, the enemies of humanity itself who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the holy one blessed he be, preserve and rescue our fighters from every playing and illness, every diana confused world riddled with antisemitism ceaselessly attach to them. May we humble our enemy beneath them. Salvation, crown them with victory, may they emerge from battle with their good name intact and may the world see the ruthless colors of the enemy. And lord to god who go to battle the enemies for you to save you. Amen. You. Good morning. Im from Cleveland Ohio and the National Campaign chair i am the National Campaign chair for j fna. We are in the midst of a 500 million humanitarian aid relief raise right now. This last saturday, ten days ago, i received a phone call from my good friend heidi stines was here today, that her cousin, noa, was at the Music Festival. Noa has been a good friend of our family. She f worked at the camp. She was my daughter, who is here today, close friend when she was in israel. And we didnt know at that time what the whereabouts were. Weve invited noa here today. Noa is 25 i years old. She is an Industrial Engineering student. She works in the e hightech industry, and a think its incredibly important that noa share her story. Shes accompanied also by her mother, her brother who is going to provide some support appear on stage, and her brother who is truly serving in the idf. Its important that we hear her story. Its important that you share her story. Noa, please come up and i will do with this interview process just to help your story. [applause] so noa, if you could start by sharing with us, take us back to ten days ago in the desert at 6 30 a. M. It was around 6 30 a. M. I was in a tent resting. We were in the festival that we were waiting for so long. We started hearing what we thought was fireworks at the Music Festival range. When i open the tent i realized chaos was in front of me. Hundreds of people were running towards me. When i looked up in the sky i saw hundreds of rockets above me. Thats when i started panicking. All our friends, we had ten ten friends there. We all gathered up and right next to our tent and we split into cars to run out of there. When we got to the main road, the security told us to go only to the right. We started driving and thats when we realized that if we continued, it was a terrorist attack. We found a shelter, which was a small cement box with no doors, and around 30, 40 people inside. I was with there were five friends inside, including my best friend,e her sister, her boyfriend, and my other friend and their cousin. When we were there we didnt even know that there were coming towards our shelter, but my friend texted me they are coming got get out of there. Thats when i met another girl called michelle. She was having a panic attack, so i helped her breathe and i asked her name. She said michelle, and i said lets sit down, theres more air if we sit down. So as four sat down. The next thing i heard was a are coming. And thatss when 30 people fell on top of me. Everyone wanted to save their life and the ones to get to the back of the shelter. I dont remember much after that, but remember waking up and losing contact with my friend, only wanting to hear their voice. I was lying, my head was laying on top of a chest that someone, and they were breathing. Thats when asked her whats her name, and she said michelle. I said hi, its me, noa. I helped you five minutes ago. Next thing i know they are throwing five grenades inside. Body parts are flying around. And all of you around me is people suffocating, people on top of another. And a lot of shots within. Thats when i i realized thers a huge body on top of me, and his head is on my throat, and fire is starting in the entrance. It only came to my knowledge yesterday at the fire was actually the bodies that they burned in the entrance of the shelter. I breathed, i inhaled that smoke and i fought for my life for three and halfmy hours. I thought about my family, and i cant i had one question, and it was why do i deserve to suffocate until i die . The shots didnt stop and the lost contact with my friends and i realize i wouldnt hear from them anymore. Thats when i got rescued after three hours. Some, some voices that i heard said that, they said im going outside. I would rather take a bullet in my head than suffocate. And once the was a little quiet, we hurt them going out, and then we heard shots and would realized they didnt survive. And once i got rescued i reunited with michelle in the hospital, realizing only after that she had a bullet in her back the entire time and she didnt even know. My best friend and her sister were american citizens. They lived in l. A. For nine years, and they loved america. It was four days that we had not heard from them, and we understood it either met that they were hostage or e murdered. And in what world does a mother her kids are hostage pray that they are held hostage and not murdered . I came here for the memory of my best friends and all the people that were murdered, and everyone that is beings held hostage and everyone that survived and for these soldiers and for every person living in israel. Even though that on the outside i dont look like i have scars, and i might have only a fracture in my elbow, but the biggest scar that i have is in my soul. And my best friends, her boyfriend and my dear friend and her sister are not here anymore. And just like my soul is aching, all of israel is aching and their hearts are broken. Thank you. Thank you, noa, for sharing yourur story. [applause] noa, the Jewish Community f american is with you. The American Community is with you. My friends in every generation, we are called upon, we are called upon for action. May her words today call our generation to action. Thank you very much. [applause] its definitely hard to followin noas words, but i can tell you that as the daughter of two holocaust survivors, who went through the camps, the lost their entire families, i think my parents shared those stories from the minute i could make eye contact with them. And so they didnt have israel at the time period they arrived in this country, the land of hope, june 7, 1947. And when israel took birth, that was one of the most talked about subject in my household. They were proud american citizens, but, boy, with a proud that israel took birth. So now it isso my honor again to introduce our next speaker, secretary of Homeland Security, landry mayorkas. Secretary mayorkas is a longtime friend of israel working closely with his counterparts there on key policy issues like cybersecurity, and most recently leading the effort to admit israel into the visa waiver program. He is also been at the forefront in efforts to fight antisemitism of violent extremism, efforts that are never been more vital in the wake of the attack on israel. And the violet threats that have been made against jews in the days since. Secretary mayorkas, President Bidens powerful words in the aftermath of the october 7 attack on israel, and his Upcoming Trip tomorrow, demonstrates americas strong commitment to israel, and we do not take that for granted. The actions that he and you as a many of your colleagues in the administration have undertaken have been both a source of strength and comfort, so many of us who are deeply concerned about the safety and security of israel. On behalf of the conference of president s, we thank you and President Biden for your resolute and unwavering support for israel, and for your vigilance in the face of the threats facing our communities across the country. Please join me in welcoming secretary of Homeland Security alejandro mayorkas. [applause] william, thank you very much for the invitation to join our community this morning. Noa, thank you for the courage coming here and sharing your experience with us. The images of the children, the young women, the elderly has made me think yet again about my mother and her experience in fling the nazis and the Lasting Impact her suffering. Seeing children leave home never very much howct she parented me. She kept me very close. I didnt have the pleasure of a sleepover or sleep away camp as so many of my friends did. And just as the experience of our parents, grandparents, ancestors have a Lasting Impacts on successive generations, so, too, with the savagery inflicted in israel and its people for decades to come, and impact future generations. Ask the fate are not limited by geography nor by time period rabbi moshe hauer of who we heard of moving prayer spoken about the fact that there is no such thing as a small act of hate, a swastika, graffiti on an elevator wall impacts so many more than just those who step in and offin that elevator. Here in the United States in the last week weve seen a demonstrated wave of swastika during the rally in times square. Last weekend chance of gas the jews were heard at a rally in sydney, australia. British media have reported more than 300 increase in antisemitic incidents in the ua alone since hamas attack on israel. This against the backdrop of an already increasing wave of antisemitism and other streams of hate before the terrorist attacks on october 7. Yesterday, the fbi released its annual statistical report on hate crimes. Antisemitic hate rose 25 from 20212022. Antisemitism accounted for over half of all reported religionbased hate crimes. Today, today, we gather together in a highly charged environment, and im here to implore alertness, vigilance, and preparedness. We in the department of Homeland Security will provide flexibility in the use of the more than 156 million we have distributed to over 1040 entities that serve the Jewish Community as part of the nonprofit security grid program to meet current needs. We have our protecting places of worship resource guide and are protective security advisers in every state to guide and advise the Jewish Community on how to most effectively secure your facilities with the resources you have. Since last saturday we have held more than 60 direct Community Engagement to share information, to distribute materials and burn up your needswe so that we can best meet them. We have reached more than 65,000 members of our community. The day after the horrific attacks on october 7, Jonathan Greenblatt and the Antidefamation League held a gathering, virtually gathering, more than 700 people participated. William, jonathan and i participated in an intimate discussion of what we need to do to protectwe our community, just this past sunday. We in the department of Homeland Security along with the fbi and all of our partners are constantly evaluating the threat landscape. We remain very concerned about the lone wolf, the individual incited violence by an ideology of hate. Use the resources, please. I implore you to use the resources we have made available to you, and a portly work with one another, whether it is scan the security of command network or other n organizations and resources that are thereor for you. I not only implore alertness in vigilance, i implore strength. The strength to live our jewish lives and not allow fear to prevail. We will continue to execute this administrations first ever strategy to combat antisemitism. We will continue the fight against hate. The extraordinary suffering that we share with our families and our friends in israel will be lasting. The grief will not subside soon. The hurt will pass from generation to generation. So, too, will our resolve. Our faith, the practice of it, and the values that we have and that bind us together. This department of Homeland Security is here for you, and we are here with you forever. Mq. [applause] thank you. [applause] thank you very much. I am william, the ceo of the conference president s of major American Jewish organizations. It is an honor to bring the remarkable solidarity fly into a close. For those of you watching at home live on cspan you will notice many of us are wearing these blue ribbons which were met you before. Er its a project of the Jewish Federations as a global unity symbol in solidarity with the hostages and their families. I encourage you to go to blue ribbons for israel. Org, blue ribbons for israel. Org to order your own. For those of you were in the room here today, we have these cards on your seats. Send love to israel cards which we will hand deliver to our israel and brothers andnd sistes as a show of support. Please fill them out and leave them on your seat. I want to thank all of the organizations that helped coordinate this event, i think the dedicated staff who worked tirelessly over the past few days to put it together on such short notice. [applause] i want to show gratitude to our elected officials adjoined the demonstrate their support for israel is a bipartisan consensus issue. We are all uplifted by her w of support forf the entire American Jewish community and for the people of israel. Thank you. [applause] thank you, senator schumer and mccullough, leaders scalia and jeff is all the other elected officials joined us for your leadership. Thank you secretary mayorkas for championing the protection and secured of American Jews during these troubled times and throughout your career. Your tireless efforts to combat antisemitism, you hated and violent extremism are an inspiration to us all. [applause] and please pass along our thanks to President Biden for standing so solidly with israel during this troubled time. [applause] i must thank noa for your bravery in the face of true evil. For yourr bravery to travel here to israel to stand from israel to stand with us today and to show the world the strength and resilience of the israeli people. Thank god youre here with us. [applause] [applause] and finally i would be remiss if i did not thank all of you for joining us here today. We began this morning with a reminder that we gather not only to express our solidarity, but also to take action. This evening a delegation of 50 conference of president s leaders and Jewish Federation leaders will travel from washington, d. C. To israel too meet with the families of victims, Wounded Soldiers and top government officials. We are flying straight from our United States capital to the internal indivisible capital of israel and the jewish people, jerusalem. [applause] to emphasize that our two countries are bound by a common purpose and a common destiny. Our our mission is vital, yet straightforward. We are going to show the people of israel that theyl are not alone. Jews everywhere share in their pain and stand with them. We will deliver to israel the message of solidarity and support fromy our leaders that youve heard today. We will ensure that both leaders and the people of israel understand that america stands behind them. All of america stands with them. We are all united. And in israels darkest hour, americas steadfast support has never been more vital. Its really fight to rescue its citizens and eliminate the terrorist threat posed by the Hamas Terrorist Army will not be easy. It will not be quick. And the coming weeks and months is s israels critics denounce its obligation to defend its people in the wake of one of the most monstrous terror attacks in history, the world one and only jewish state will call on its ally america for support. We will bring our experience and stories that we here in israel back here to washington as the foundation of our advocacy in the weeks and months ahead. America must provide the necessary support and leadership needed to protect the people of israel and the world from the barbarity of the Hamas Terrorist Army. The United States must continue to provide needed iron dome and military assistance and help coordinate the safe return of a hostages, including of course our fellowf americans. At the same time we must protect our Jewish Community here in the United States and at ensure r security in the face of increased antisemitism. It is the most urgent challenge that many of us have faced in our lifetimes, but we will do it because we stand together. As a people we are stronger when we are one. We are stronger when we are unified. That is how we get through dark times. Together, arm in arm, feeling our way through one step at a a time period a the conference of president s and this very room represent the full spectrum of political and religious views. But today we stand here together as one. The jewish people have always been the most resilient people call because in times of crisis we manage to keep an eye on the horizon, to a time in the future when it will be bright again. And so as i conclude today i ask you all to remember with me the jewish people and the people of israel together will heal and grow and emerge from the start times Even Stronger and even more united than ever before. Thank you very much. God bless america. God bless the state of israel and the please i welcome catcher jeff in the dell who will lead us all in sending on israel high. Cantor. [applause] on israel, on israel high. On israel, on israel high. On israel, on israel high. [applause] thank you, cantor. Again god bless you all. May god protect all of us and the people of israel. Amen. Thank you for being here. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] u. S. House is tohout a speaker a full two weeks after representative Kevin Mccarthy was removed from the position. Lawmakers met yay to vote on his potential replaceme two wanted 17 votes that arehe needed. The now returning today at 11 a. Mern. When we expect a second round of to occur. As ittands ojai representative jim jordan remains 17 votes short of 217 after 20 republicans voted for someone else in the first bella. Follow the speaker eleion live on cspan when house returns. You can also watch using the free cspan now video app or go online to cspan. Org. Cspan is run filtered view of government. We are funded by these Television Companies and more including buckeye broadband. Buckeye broadband support cspan as a public service, along with these other television providers, give you a frontrow seat to democracy. On this wednesday taking up debate and votes on a resolution seeking to block the proposed Small Business lending role of the Consumer Financial protection bureau. On the other side of the capital today about half an hour the house is planning to vote again to elect a new house speaker. Yesterday the leading republican nominee jim jordan of ohio fail to get the votes to take the gavel. Live now to the floor of the u. S. Senate here on cspan2. Pr. Eternal god, our mighty