Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) joined a bipartisan, bicameral congressional delegation to the Middle East last week to reaffirm support for Israel, meet with regional officials and partners about current challenges, and advocate for the safe and secure return of U.S. citizens taken hostage by Hamas.

Rep. Norcross and the delegation traveled to Kibbutz Nir Oz 90 days after the October 7 attack by Hamas. The delegation walked through the destruction and heard firsthand accounts of the destruction from residents who were present during the attack, including Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son remains a hostage.

“In October, our congressional delegation made historic steps toward progress and prosperity in the Middle East before the brutal attack on Israel by Hamas. The relationship between the United States, Israel, and our partners throughout the Middle East is crucial to regional and global security,” Rep. Norcross said. “We also held productive talks with officials in Israel and across the region to secure the safe release of every single hostage, including American citizens, still being held hostage by Hamas terrorists. It was important for myself and my colleagues to show our unwavering bipartisan, bicameral support for the hostages and the Israeli people as they continue to defend themselves after the brutal October 7^th attack. I will continue to work to bring the hostages home, strengthen the ties between the Israeli and American people and government, and ensure that Israel has the aid and assistance it needs to defend itself.”

The delegation met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt, and Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa and called on these regional allies and leaders to bring the remaining American hostages home safely.

Additionally, Rep. Norcross and the delegation met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and officials responsible for the ongoing hostage negotiations. The delegation also visited Al Udeid Air Base to receive updates on Iranian proxy attacks on our American servicemembers and interests in the region.

Rep. Norcross was joined by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), Rep. Debbie Wasserman- Schultz (D-Fl.), Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Rep. Ann Wagner (R-MO).

In October, Rep. Norcross traveled to Israel just days after the October 7^th attack by Hamas and met with Prime Minister Netanyahu, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eli Cohen, Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, and Leader of the Opposition Yair Lapid.

Click HERE for pictures from the delegation.