Remembering the October 7th Attacks: Israel's Unbreakable Spirit Against Iranian-Backed Terror

“The people of Israel are united, and today, our unity is our strength. We will stand together as one nation, one heart, to defend our homeland and our future.” — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 8, 2023, addressing the nation after the attack.

On October 7, 2023, the world witnessed one of the most barbaric assaults in modern history when Iran-backed Hamas launched a savage surprise attack on Israel, slaughtering over 1,200 innocent civilians—men, women, and children—in their homes, at a music festival, and along border communities. This unprovoked massacre, coupled with the kidnapping of more than 250 hostages, was not just an act of war but a calculated campaign of hatred fueled by Tehran's ideological poison, designed to destabilize the Jewish state and sow fear across the free world. Yet, in the face of unimaginable horror, Israel rose with fierce resolve, its people uniting in grief and determination to defend their homeland. The Israel Defense Forces, with precision and moral clarity, struck back against the terrorists, rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas infrastructure, all while upholding the values of a democracy under siege. Israel's response was a testament to its enduring strength—a beacon of resilience that exposed the fragility of its enemies and reaffirmed its unyielding right to exist and protect its citizens from genocidal threats.

The atrocity on October 7th serves as a stark reminder of Iran's insidious role as the world's foremost state sponsor of terrorism, arming proxies like Hamas to wage proxy wars from Gaza to Lebanon and beyond. Iran is a global menace that demands a united front, and that's precisely what the CPAC for Iranians in Exile coalition and partner United Against a Nuclear Iran (UANI) is forging today. Comprising brave dissidents, activists, and entrepreneurs who fled the ayatollahs' tyranny, this coalition amplifies exiled Iranian voices calling for regime change, a nuclear-free Iran, and an end to Tehran's funding of bloodshed worldwide. By collaborating with conservative leaders at CPAC events and exposing Iran's terror networks—from plots in Australia to support for Hezbollah—these patriots stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel and freedom-loving nations, proving that the fight against Iranian extremism is not just Israel's burden, but a shared moral imperative for a safer world.

The October 7th attack also unleashed a global surge in antisemitism, a vile hatred that the CPAC Center for Combating Antisemitism is actively confronting. Established to counter the rising tide of anti-Jewish rhetoric and violence, the Center works tirelessly to expose and dismantle antisemitic narratives, particularly those amplified by Iran’s proxies and their apologists. Through advocacy, education, and policy initiatives, it collaborates with global leaders to protect Jewish communities, promote Israel’s right to self-defense, and challenge the ideologies that fuel attacks like those on October 7th. By fostering alliances across political and cultural spheres, the Center stands as a bulwark against hatred, ensuring that the resilience of Israel and the Jewish people is met with unwavering support in the face of existential threats.