WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on October 4 issued a joint Public Service Announcement highlighting potential threats in the United States from foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs) to their supporters seeking to provoke violence in response to the one-year anniversary of the HAMAS attacks on Israel that began on October 7, 2023.
“Jewish, Muslim, or Arab institutions — including synagogues, mosques/Islamic centers, and community centers — and large public gatherings, such as memorials, vigils, or other lawful demonstrations, present attractive targets for violent attacks or for hoax threats by a variety of threat actors, including violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators,” the FBI announcement states.
The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) stated it recorded over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the United States between October 7, 2023, and September 24, 2024—more than 200% increase year-over-year.
“The attacks by Hamas, by Hezbollah and the Houthis and the direct onslaught by the largest patron of antisemitic terrorism, Iran, have sparked a fire here in the U.S. and throughout the world,” wrote Jonathan Greenblatt, ADL CEO and National Director in a statement on the anniversary of the October 7 attack. “While antisemitic incidents had already been on the rise, these attacks threw fuel onto the fire. We saw the impact almost immediately. Online. In the streets. On our campuses.”
The FBI is encouraging residents to be aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activities to tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
University of Washington Anti-Israel Encampment
Students at the University of Washington established an encampment on April 29, in a grass courtyard area called, The Quad, to protest Israel’s counter offense against Hamas in Gaza. In May, approximately 500 attended a “United for Israel March” at the university’s campus led by Pursuit Church NW, to take a stand against antisemitism that they alleged was plaguing the campus and the encampment.
On June 14, the anti-Israel encampment was ordered to disperse by the university stating that it was causing “disruptions to core university operations” in preparation for the upcoming semester. Just days earlier on June 11, Ana Mari Cauce, the President of the University of Washington, announced her intention to resign in June 2025, at the end of her second five-year term.
Aysenur Eygi, 26, an American and graduate of the University of Washington, was killed in the Israel-occupied West Bank on September 6, while protesting the Israel-Palestine conflict. She was the second University of Washington graduate to have been killed in relation to the conflict. Dr. Hayim Katsman, another graduate, was killed in his home during the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
Israel Declaration of War against Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on October 8, 2023, officially received a declaration of war against Gaza by the military political cabinet invoking “Clause 40 Aleph” of the Basic Government Law, following the Hamas terrorist attack and incursion on October 7.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist organization that was voted into power by the Palestinian people of the Palestinian territories in 2006, led a series of coordinated attacks against Israel — on a Sabbath day and date of many Jewish holidays — killing over 1,000 Jewish civilians and approximately 370 Israeli soldiers.
Approximately 3,000 Palestinian militants infiltrated Israel from Gaza using trucks, powered paragliders, bulldozers, and speedboats, opening fire on Israeli civilians and setting homes on fire. Additionally, Hamas took 251 Israeli hostages, 42 of which were children. Currently, 101 hostages are still being held by Hamas and/or its supporters.
As of October 6, 2024, at least 41,870 Palestinians have been reported killed, with an additional 97,166 wounded, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, Barron’s reports.
Between November 24th through 30th of 2023, Qutar brokered a temporary ceasefire during which there was an exchange of hostages and a prisoner swap, and humanitarian aid allowed into the Gaza Strip.
In January of 2024, allegations surfaced that United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) staff members were involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks and that Hamas militants were using aid materials for military operations. After an investigation by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), UNRWA terminated the contracts with ten people.
On September 11, Israeli Defense Forces bombed the UN-run Al-Jawni school in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, including six UNRWA staff members. A top Hamas commander Fatah Sharif, who was killed in Lebanon on September 30 in an airstrike on El Buss refugee camp by IDF, was an employee of UNRWA, AP reports, adding to the pressure that the aid agency is a shill for Hamas and terrorist activity.
As the war is entering its second year, Israel launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon on October 1, 2024, to eradicate the Hezbollah terrorist organization which is a proxy for Iran. The ground invasion of Lebanon was preceded by extensive airstrikes into the country that began on September 23 and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27.
Although the United States is not directly engaged in military operations in the Israel-Gaza war, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, it has provided approximately $12.5 billion in military aid to Israel since the start of the war—$3.8 billion per year until 2028 as part of routine annual military aid under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and $8.7 billion for operations in Gaza and Lebanon.
Hamas Attacks: Statements on October 7 Remembrance
President Joe Biden: “On this day last year, the sun rose on what was supposed to be a joyous Jewish holiday. By sunset, October 7 had become the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Today marks one year of mourning for the more than 1,200 innocent people of all ages, including 46 Americans, massacred in southern Israel by the terrorist group Hamas. One year since Hamas committed horrific acts of sexual violence. One year since more than 250 innocents were taken hostage, including 12 Americans. One year for the survivors carrying wounds, seen and unseen, who will never be the same. And one year of a devastating war. On this solemn anniversary, let us bear witness to the unspeakable brutality of the October 7th attacks but also to the beauty of the lives that were stolen that day.”
Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01): “A year ago, Hamas brutally attacked Israel, murdering nearly 1,200 innocent people and taking over 250 hostages, including American citizens. I remain committed to Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law and bringing home the remaining hostages as soon as possible.
“We cannot lose sight of the innocent Israelis and Palestinians whose lives and livelihoods have been shattered in the wake of this tragedy. A negotiated ceasefire remains the best path forward to achieve lasting peace, surge humanitarian assistance to the many in Gaza who need it, set in motion a path to rebuild communities, and work towards a two-state solution.”
Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02): “Join me in remembering the 1,200+ innocent women, men & children murdered by Hamas terrorists & those who were injured & kidnapped. I continue to echo the President’s call for a ceasefire that’ll allow for the release of hostages & increase humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.”
Editor’s Note: Article updated 11:11 a.m., October 7, 2024, with a statement from Representative Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02)
Author: Mario Lotmore
