Insurrectionists aren’t hostages

Dear Friends,

Yesterday marked three months since Hamas brutally murdered more than 1,200 people in a horrific terrorist attack that included countless acts of depraved sexual violence. Hamas took more than 240 hostages, at least 136 of whom remain in captivity. Hostages who have returned to Israel report that Hamas is torturing and sexually assaulting those still held in Gaza, and we are committed to bringing them home as soon as possible. If there is any issue that should be above politics, it’s the fate of the Israeli, American, and other hostages being held in Gaza.

Over the weekend, both Donald Trump and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) callously referred to January 6 insurrectionists as “hostages.” Trump and Stefanik are not fringe Republicans. Trump holds a commanding lead for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination and Stefanik is the fourth most powerful member of the Republican Caucus in the House. Calling violent insurrectionists who attempted to overthrow our democracy “hostages” is obscene, especially when there are 136 actual hostages being held in Gaza. This lack of a moral compass and embrace of extremism define the GOP in 2024.

The hostages held by Hamas, unlike those who were arrested for participating in the January 6 insurrection, are victims of terror deserving of our empathy, sympathy, and constant attention. That is why we’re hosting an event on Wednesday, January 10, at 12:00pm ET, to look at the sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas, including targeting hostages. Join us by clicking below.

Trump, Stefanik, and countless other Republicans have demonstrated that they are willing to destroy our democracy to further their political agendas. Recently, Stefanik refused to commit to certifying the 2024 election, and Trump echoed Hitler, vowed to be a “dictator on day one,” and pledged to pardon January 6 insurrectionists. These Republicans are too dangerous to govern.

The 2024 election is about many issues, but none more important than the soul of our nation and protecting our democracy and freedoms. Join us to advocate for our values and defend those values at the ballot box, and support JDCA today.

Thank you,

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America