In the shadow of the Washington Monument, thousands gathered in the heart of the nation’s capital for the “Remember October 7th” memorial rally—a day of solemn remembrance, reflection, and resolve. As Israel continues to face an existential threat one year after the devastating Hamas attacks, Christians and Jews alike stood united in mourning and prayer. Among the prominent voices that filled the National Mall, Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America (CWA), delivered a call to action, urging Christians to confront the horrors of the October 7 massacre and the rising global threat of antisemitism with unwavering solidarity.
Nance began her remarks with a poignant reference to the Biblical passage from Jeremiah 31:15, evoking Rachel’s lament for her children. She then pivoted to express her support for Israel, underscoring the solidarity that CWA’s members—spanning half a million strong with collegiate chapters across the country—have with the Jewish community. “We are Christian women, and we come together today to mourn the atrocities that took place exactly one year ago,” she affirmed, emphasizing that American Christians stand with their Jewish friends and neighbors in the face of increasing semitic hate.
Drawing on her first visit to Israel in 2013, Nance recalled a deeply emotional moment at Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust memorial, where she was confronted with a question that still resonates today: “What are you going to do now?” This question became the central theme of her address, as she recounted CWA’s unwavering efforts over the past year in response to the horrors of October 7.
Nance’s speech underscored a call to action and a refusal to remain indifferent. She highlighted the ongoing plight of the hostages still held in Gaza, the troubling rise of antisemitism in elite institutions, and the brutal acts committed by Hamas. “We refuse to turn a blind eye to seven Americans and 100 Israelis currently being held hostage underground,” she declared, firmly rejecting any attempts to draw a moral equivalence between Hamas and the innocent civilians targeted by violence.
In a call to unity and advocacy, Nance detailed how CWA mobilized in the aftermath of the atrocity, supporting Jewish communities and calling Christians to action. From speaking out in churches to confronting antisemitism on college campuses, Nance emphasized the role CWA and its Young Women for America leaders played in fostering solidarity with the Jewish community. “We stepped into the pulpits of megachurches and called Christians to action like never before on behalf of Jewish Americans and the Jewish state,” she stated.
Her speech culminated with a resolute message: “We will never give up. We will never back down. We will not stop speaking until every hostage is home and Israel is safe again.” Nance’s closing words were a striking reminder of the enduring need for vigilance and action in the face of injustice.
The October 7 memorial, organized by a coalition of organizations, including the American Christian Leaders for Israel (ACLI), Generation Zion, and The Philos Project, to remember the victims of terror and stand with those still in captivity, featured a wide range of prominent speakers, including representatives from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem (ICEJ), StopAntisemitism, and The Heritage Foundation. The event also included a special address from Vice Presidential Nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) who stated cleary, “October 7 wasn’t just an attack on Israel; it wasn’t just an attack on Jews; it was also an attack on America.”
As American Christians gather to commemorate the victims of October 7 and advocate for those still numbered amongst the hostages, Penny Nance’s message is clear: solidarity with Israel is not just a choice, but a moral imperative for those who follow the teachings of Christ.
Bethany Miller is a communications specialist and media consultant who collaborates with ministries, advocacy groups, and conservative outlets. Her journalistic work focuses on the intersection of faith, culture, and politics. She is a Young Women for America Ambassador.