House Speaker Mike Johnson has invited Mia Schem, a young Israeli woman formerly held hostage by Hamas, as his guest to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday.

Schem was seized and shot during the October 7th Hamas massacre that killed over 1,200 Israelis at the Supernova music festival. Her family says the 54-day hostage ordeal left her with epilepsy. After release, Schem denounced Hamas, stating “Everyone there are terrorists…there are no innocent civilians.”

“At the State of the Union, I’ll be honored to host Mia Schem, who experienced Hamas’ terrors firsthand,” Johnson told Jewish Insider. “I’m proud to stand with Mia and join her in demanding the release of all hostages still held by Hamas.”

Schem expressed gratitude “for allowing me to show appreciation for U.S. assistance to Israel…The bond between our countries is crucial and cannot be broken. As believers in God, we pray together for peace.”

She recounted being taunted by Gaza families, who treated her like “an animal at the zoo.”

Johnson and Rep. Lawler also invited the mother and brother of Omer Neutra, another hostage. Lawmakers aim to remind Biden of America’s commitment to freeing captives.

Multiple senators and representatives from both parties have invited relatives of October 7th massacre victims and remaining hostages as guests.

“The American people cannot forget our fellow citizens held for over 150 days,” said Sen. Budd. Lawmakers vow to work tirelessly for their release and Hamas’ removal from power.

The tragic hostage crisis underscores the human toll of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and urgency in resolving it through diplomacy and anti-terror efforts.