The scenes of Israeli hostages returning to their families after 738 days of hell in the hands of Hamas inspired an outpouring of reaction from celebrities, activists, and politicians around the globe.
Diane Foley, founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation in New Hampshire, captured the mood of millions on Monday. “The world has been holding its breath in the hope that all captives taken by Hamas would be set free. We are profoundly grateful that this horrific ordeal is finally coming to an end.”
But not New Hampshire Democrats.
Only one member of the Granite State’s federal delegation posted a reaction to the history that unfolded in Israel on Monday morning, even as some of the most progressive, anti-Trump members of their party were praising the deal brokered by President Trump that brought the hostages home.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) released a statement commending “the enormous advocacy of the tireless hostage families, President Trump, his administration, and all who helped make this moment happen.”
“The nightmare finally ends,” tweeted Pennsylvania Democrat Sen. John Fetterman. “May the hostages have a full recovery, and may we never forget those who didn’t make it out alive. Credit to POTUS for a breakthrough cease-fire of this awful war.”
“President Trump and his administration, Qatar, and other regional actors deserve great credit,” said former President Bill Clinton.
Even far-left Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren tweeted about the deal.
“For two excruciating years, I have called for the return of the hostages brutally kidnapped on Oct. 7 and held in Gaza,” Warren posted. “Today is a good day.”
(The apparent self-aggrandizement inspired Vice President JD Vance to tweet in response, “The president told me he did this on Indigenous Peoples’ Day in honor of you.”)
But as of late Monday night, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, hadn’t mentioned the day’s events on her social media or official Senate page — though she did find time for a shout-out to Indigenous Peoples’ Day
And it’s not just the hostage news. Trump and the leaders of Egypt, Qatar and Turkey on Monday signed a declaration to bring peace to Gaza at a summit in Egypt.
“A new and beautiful day is rising, and now the rebuilding begins,” said Trump,
Given Shaheen’s role as a leader in her party on foreign relations, why was she silent? The outgoing senator would not respond to media requests from NHJournal; however, she does have a long and well-documented record of supporting anti-Israel policies.
She’s voted to ban weapons sales to the Jewish state, falsely accused Israel of “starving” the people of Gaza, and denounced President Donald Trump when he dropped out of the Iran Deal.
Shaheen’s anti-Israel stance even forced the Senate Democratic Caucus into an emergency meeting earlier this year.
“Sen. Shaheen is doing the Granite State a favor by retiring,” said Sam Markstein, communications director for the Republican Jewish Coalition, after one of her anti-Israel votes.
U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who is hoping to be the Democratic Party’s choice to replace Shaheen next year, also had no comment on the news out of Israel on his official site or social media.
Monday’s momentous events did, however, evoke a response from their colleague, Sen. Maggie Hassan.
“Since the brutal Oct. 7 attack by Hamas more than 700 days ago, families have waited for their loved ones taken hostage to come home. Just last week, I met with some of the family members of those taken hostage who remained hopeful that a day like today was still possible,” Hassan posted.
“It’s an enormous relief to see the remaining living hostages freed, and I hope that the important step taken today leads to the return of the remains of those who died in captivity, and eventually brings the Israeli and Palestinian people closer to a lasting peace.”
U.S. Rep. Maggie Goodlander’s silence may be more strategic than Shaheen’s. She’s now facing a primary challenger, state Rep. Paige Beauchemin (D-Nashua), who is attacking her over the “Free Palestine” issue.
“Maggie Goodlander takes thousands of dollars in AIPAC money, and she won’t come out against the genocide in Gaza,” Beauchemin told WMUR’s Adam Sexton.
The Democrats’ “no comment” strategy inspired comment of its own from the Granite State GOP.
“Chris Pappas is silent because he didn’t get permission from Chuck Schumer to thank President Trump,” said state GOP Chair Jim MacEachern.
“Unfortunately, Chris Pappas and the Washington Democrats who fuel his campaign can’t drop their partisan politics for one day to come together on this historic day. It’s really shameful.”
