On the one-year anniversary of the barbaric attacks of October 7th, JD Vance joined the Philos Project in a rally and march to honor the victims and hostages who are still being held captive in Gaza.
Vance called the tragedy the worst attack since 9/11 and certainly the worst against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
“Sadly, many Americans do not know the full truth of the Holocaust and many Americans do not know the full truth of what really happened on October the 7th. Many don’t know that more than 1,000 people, including 32 innocent American citizens were killed. Many do not know that 252 people, including 12 Americans were taken hostage by Hamas and that Hamas has held American citizens hostage this entire time.“
Vance also took the opportunity to condemn the pro-Hamas supporters who have taken to the streets since the horrific event:
“Today, in the United States, there are literal pro-Hamas protesters around the country calling for a ceasefire. And what they’re really calling for is for a unilateral surrender. I have a different message. The only way this war is going to end is when Hamas gives up its arms and stops the fighting and lets the hostages come home.“
“I know there are a lot of Americans… who will go to protest and chant this slogan “from the river to the sea” without knowing what it actually means. And so I’d ask my Americans who chant that terrible thing, ask yourself what river and what sea? When you say from the river to the sea what you are fundamentally promoting and fundamentally celebrating is the end of a Jewish state altogether. Educate yourselves about what you’re actually saying. It’s a disgraceful slogan that is going to lead to the genocide of millions of people and no person, no American of good conscience stands for it.“
The vice president hopeful denounced the current administration for their failure to bring home our American hostages.
“I’m going to get a little political here. It is disgraceful that we have an American president and vice president who haven’t done a thing,” Vance said. “Vice President Harris, our message is, ‘Bring them home.’ Use your authority to help bring them home. We can do it. We just need real leadership.”
READ MORE: While Kamala Talks About Innocent Palestinians, Trump Marks Oct 7 With Solemn Visit To Jewish Shrine
There are currently four Americans still held hostage by Hamas. One of the more notable Americans taken hostage on that fateful day was Hersch Goldberg, whose family became a voice of advocacy for the victims. He and five others were executed by their captors in an attempt to prevent a rescue as IDF troops drew near to their location in the Hamas tunnels.
The remaining Americans held hostage are Keith Siegel, 65, Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, Omer Neutra, 22, and Edan Alexander, 21. Hamas is also holding the bodies of Itay Chen 19, Gadi Haggai, 73, and Judith Weinstein, 70.
