A Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the October 7th Hamas Attack on Israel

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

A Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the October 7th Hamas Attack on Israel

WHEREAS, on October 7, 2023, a tragic and unprecedented act of violence was carried out by Hamas terrorists at the Supernova Sukkot Gathering near Kibbutz Re'im, as well as throughout communities and kibbutzim in Israel; and

WHEREAS, innocent civilians were enjoying a beautiful day in their homes, observing the end of Sukkot, and attending a music festival, only to be brutally attacked resulting in serious injuries, the horrific murder of 1,200 innocent lives, and the kidnapping of 251 hostages by Hamas terrorists; and

WHEREAS, among the hostages was Israeli American and former Richmonder, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, a man who displayed immense courage in prioritizing the safety of his friends and others around him, despite the loss of his arm in a grenade explosion; and

WHEREAS, after eleven months in captivity and just days before the Israel Defense Forces could rescue him, Hersh Goldberg-Polin was murdered by Hamas in a tunnel in Gaza on August 31, 2024, bringing profound sorrow to the Jewish community, his loved ones, and the countless individuals who prayed for his safe return; and

WHEREAS, today, Hamas continues to hold hostages, including seven Americans, in the Gaza Strip, and their reign of terror persists in significantly impacting the region; and

WHEREAS, the attack on October 7, 2023, and the international rise in antisemitismthereafter, is a stark reminder of the ongoing threats and challenges faced by the people of Israel, and the need for continued vigilance and unity in the face of terrorismand hate; and

WHEREAS, Virginians vehemently condemn Hamas and its supporters for their reprehensible actions, which include kidnapping, brutal sexual violence, torture, and the murder of individuals like Hersh Goldberg-Polin; and

WHEREAS,Virginians recognize the resilience of ourJewish neighborsand remember that while the darkness of hate is evident, even greater is the light of community; and

WHEREAS, Virginians pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages, honor the memory of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of terror, and offer our deepest condolences and support to their loved ones; and

WHEREAS, Virginians remain steadfast against relentless evil and stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people, a people who remain a bright light in the darkest of times;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize October 7, 2024, as A DAY OFREMEMBRANCE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE OCTOBER 7^TH HAMAS ATTACK ON ISRAEL in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.