WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) issued the following statement:

“As the daughter and granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, I understand all too well the meaning of the word ‘genocide.’ I have firmly stood with Israel in their justified pursuit of Hamas since the heinous terror attacks of October 7, and I will continue to do so. I do not believe Israel’s actions constitute a genocidal effort.

I do, however, have grave concerns about the Israeli government’s strategy – concerns which I have voiced alongside several of my colleagues, most recently in a December 18 letter. The estimated deaths of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian women and children do not help Israel’s effort to eliminate Hamas and to bring peace to the region. Relatedly, the people of Gaza urgently need humanitarian assistance and aid. I have expressed both concerns directly to Israeli leadership as recently as January 10.

While I do not believe Israel has committed or is committing genocide against the Palestinian people, I do believe that member nations of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) should be able to bring cases forward where the evidence can and will be heard. That being said, I have no doubt that this case brought by South Africa will result in a verdict in Israel’s favor.

I desperately hope the region will have quick, just, and durable peace. It is my plea that Hamas release the remaining hostages and come to the table. Peace through further negotiations can only be accomplished by all parties working together. I will continue to do all that I am able from my position to support peace for the people of Israel and Gaza and the people of the entire region and world.”

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator, and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward” and the Congressional Management Foundation’s 2022 Democracy Award for best Constituent Services in Congress.

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