On March 12, 2025, U.S. Congressman Abraham Hamadeh participated in an event hosted by the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Representation in the United States at the U.S. Capitol to commemorate the victims of the 1988 Halabja chemical attack and reaffirm the ongoing call for justice.
“I am so proud of the Kurdish people and their heritage,” Hamadeh said in his speech. “All of you have suffered so much under so many different regimes.”
Congressman Hamadeh, who represents Arizona and is a veteran of the United States Army, highlighted the pivotal role that Kurds played against ISIS in Iraq and Syria, which came at a tremendous cost. “Kurdish forces are not just protecting their own people; they are also protecting others, including Christians and Assyrians, who represent a significant portion of my district in Arizona,” he noted.
Hamadeh emphasized Washington’s commitment to safeguarding the Kurdish people and promoting lasting peace in the Middle East. “The United States has a vital role in defending our allies like the Kurds, who stood with us against ISIS,” he stated. During his speech, he engaged with his colleagues, asserting that the Kurds are one of the biggest allies in the Middle East and the largest ethnic group in the region. “I give a lot of credit to the KRG for making Kurdistan very beautiful, and in sha’Allah, I will visit very soon,” he remarked.
“We remain committed to collaborating with members of Congress to raise awareness of the Halabja tragedy and the enduring suffering of the Kurdish people.” — @treefa_aziz.https://t.co/vq45A3VFW6
— Kurdistan Chronicle (@KrdChronicle) March 14, 2025
Reflecting on his own Kurdish heritage, Hamadeh expressed a strong desire to visit Kurdistan, underscoring his deep connection to the region. “My family is from Syria; my mother is Druze, and my father is half Kurdish. I am a quarter Kurdish. Does that make me a Kurd?” he asked the audience, to which everyone responded with an enthusiastic “YES.” He also noted that he is the only Kurdish member serving in the U.S. Congress.
Hamadeh reiterated U.S. President Donald Trump’s dedication to achieving peace in the region, highlighting to local Kurdish news channels that the Trump administration prioritizes stability and security. “President Trump is dedicated to peace. He seeks to ensure stability and understands what is best for our military. Our troops are not meant for permanent deployment, but we recognize the importance of our alliances,” he asserted.
