RELEASE: On Second Anniversary of October 7 Attacks, Gottheimer Announces Bipartisan Legislation to Honor American Victims & Hostages with Congressional Gold Medal

Above: Gottheimer, Rep. Steny Hoyer, hostage families and survivors, and advocacy groups announcing a new package of legislation on the second anniversary of the October 7 attack.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, October 7, 2025, on the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas terrorist attacks, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) announced new bipartisan legislation to honor the American victims and hostages with the Congressional Gold Medal, a resolution to demand the release of the remaining hostages, and legislation to counter antisemitism.

Joining the Members of Congress at the U.S. Capitol today were Ilana Gritzewsky, a freed hostage and partner of current hostage Matan Zangauker; the cousin of current American hostage Omer Neutra, Yasmin Magal; American Jewish Committee (AJC) CEO Ted Deutch, Jewish Women International (JWI) CEO Meredith Jacobs, the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD).

Bipartisan October 7th Legislation Announced Today:

The October 7 Congressional Gold Medal Act - led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Mike Lawler (NY-17), will bestow the Congressional Gold Medal to the American hostages and victims of the October 7 attacks, in recognition of their profound suffering and sacrifice. The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International, the Weitzman National Museum of Jewish American History, and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Find bill text here.

October 7 Commemoration Resolution - led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Joe Wilson (SC-02), and Young Kim (CA-40), condemns Hamas's October 7 atrocities, demands the release of all hostages, reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense, supports humanitarian aid to civilians, and denounces antisemitism in all forms. The House resolution is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), American Jewish Committee (AJC), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), Hadassah, and the National Council of Jewish Women. Find bill text here.

The October 7 Remembrance Education Act - led by Reps. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), directs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to build a model curriculum for schools to teach about the heinous and brutal attacks committed on October 7th, the history of antisemitism and how it played a role in the attacks, and denial and distortion as a form of antisemitism in the wake of the attacks. The bipartisan bill is endorsed by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA), Jewish Women International, and the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Find bill text here.

Watch today's announcement at the U.S. Capitol here.

"It's hard to believe that it's been two years since Hamas terrorists brutally raped, burned alive, decapitated, and murdered more than 1,200 innocent babies, children, women, men, and elderly, including dozens of Americans - the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. 251 were taken that day, 48 still remain hostage in Gaza, including two Americans. We will fight to honor their memory by molding our pain from that tragic day into action," said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). "The Congressional Gold Medal - the highest civilian honor bestowed by Congress - will properly recognize the suffering and profound sacrifice of those Americans killed, and the bravery of those held captive from that tragic day two years ago. After hearing the suffering the victims have experienced: the inhumane conditions, and their unwavering spirit to persevere and still advocate for others - we cannot let another day go by without recognizing their sacrifice and enshrining our commitment to them."

"The October 7th attacks were one of the darkest days in modern history, a day when innocent lives were brutally taken, families were torn apart, and Americans were among those murdered or held hostage by Hamas terrorists. By awarding a Congressional Gold Medal to the American victims and hostages, we honor not only their courage but the enduring resilience of the American and Israeli people in the face of pure evil. I'm proud to join Congressman Gottheimer in supporting this important recognition," said Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17).

"Today, we mark a solemn and heartbreaking anniversary-two years since Hamas terrorists carried out the deadliest assault on the Jewish people since the Holocaust," said Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22). "On October 7, 2023, the world watched in horror as Hamas murdered, raped, and maimed more than 1,200 innocent people, injured thousands more, and abducted 251 hostages. Today, 48 hostages remain in Hamas's dark tunnels, and only half are believed to be alive. On this day of remembrance, we must continue pressing for the release of every hostage, for lifesaving aid to reach civilians in Gaza, and for this devastating war to finally end."

"Two years ago, Hamas brutally murdered 1,200 innocent civilians and kidnapped 251 others in the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. We will never forget the horrific images of Hamas's barbarism or the courage and selflessness shown by ordinary Israelis," said Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40). "As we mark October 7, 2023, the United States must continue to stand firmly with our ally Israel, confront antisemitism in all its forms, and work toward a lasting peace that ensures the safety and freedom of all who call the region home. I will keep pressing each day until every last hostage - including the Americans still held by Hamas - is returned home."

"Today marks the second anniversary of the massacre of 1,200 and kidnapping of 251 innocent men, women, and children in Israel by the Iranian terrorist puppet, Hamas. This cowardly act will forever be remembered around the world, but no more meaningful than to the families and friends who lost loved ones, including those affected by the remaining 48 hostages. I am grateful for the leadership of President Donald Trump, with the support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and our allies, for the opportunity of peace," said Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-2).

Support for the bipartisan legislation:

"On October 7, Hamas carried out the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust-men, women, children, and the elderly were murdered, raped, burned alive and kidnapped," said Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO, regarding the October 7 Remembrance Education Act. "The cruelty was fueled by antisemitism, and in the days after, we saw denial and distortion mingle with a surge of antisemitic rhetoric, amplified across campuses and social media. The October 7 Remembrance Education Act ensures that students learn these facts clearly. I'm grateful to Reps. Josh Gottheimer and Brian Fitzpatrick for reintroducing this bill and for their leadership in making sure the next generation never forgets the events of 10/7."

"The tragedy on October 7 will forever be etched in the memory of the Jewish people," said ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt, regarding the October 7 Commemoration Resolution. "On this solemn second anniversary of the deadliest antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust, we remember the lives shattered, the hostages still held, and the wave of global antisemitism that continues to endanger Jewish communities. We thank Reps. Gottheimer, Wilson, Frankel, and Kim for introducing this bipartisan resolution, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring that 'Never Again' truly means never again."

"National Council of Jewish Women commends Representatives Gottheimer, Frankel, Wilson, and Kim for leading this vital resolution to ensure that, two years on, the victims of October 7 and those still held hostage by Hamas remain at the forefront of our memories, prayers, and advocacy," said Darcy Hirsh, Vice President of Government Relations & Advocacy at National Council of Jewish Women, regarding the October 7 Commemoration Resolution. "This October 7 falls during Sukkot, during which millions of Jews will ask that God 'spread over us Your shelter of peace.' The only lasting future is one of peace: where no woman, child, or family lives in constant terror. We at NCJW will always work toward securing that future, and we are grateful to the sponsors for their leadership calling for justice for the victims and their families."

"As we mark the two-year anniversary of Hamas' brutal attack on Israel, Hadassah, The Women's Zionist Organization of America, continues to call for the immediate release of the hostages and stand with all those who have endured indescribable suffering at the hands of Hamas terrorists. We applaud Representatives Lois Frankel and Josh Gottheimer for introducing critical legislation to ensure we never forget the atrocities of October 7, 2023, reaffirm the United States' commitment to Israel's right and responsibility to defend itself and strengthen efforts to counter the alarming rise in antisemitism," said Carol Ann Schwartz, National President of Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, regarding the October 7 Commemoration Resolution.

Below: Hostage families and survivors speak at the U.S. Capitol on the second anniversary of the October 7 attack.

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