Op-Ed: Rep. Tom Emmer: After visiting Israel, our resolve to stand with our ally is stronger than ever
Last month, I had the privilege of leading a congressional delegation to Israel. The scenes we witnessed on our visit — the aftermath of October 7, the resilience of the Israeli people, and the constant threat of terror faced by the nation — further solidified my resolve to stand with our partner Israel in their fight against evil and pursuit of peace.
50 hostages, including two Americans, are still being held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. It has been 696 days since these terrorists invaded Israel, slaughtering over 1,000 innocent people without provocation.
The most sobering day of our trip was the day we visited sites of atrocities committed on October 7, 2023. As we walked through a kibbutz where terrorists raped women, killed children, and ruthlessly paraded their victims in the streets, the pure evil of Hamas still hung in the air.
Along with the kibbutzim, we visited the site of the Nova Music Festival, where 400 innocent young people were viciously murdered, raped, and kidnapped. Brave survivors of the festival shared their stories with us as we walked on the very ground where they fought for their lives just two years ago.
Throughout our time in Israel, we spoke with many family members of those who were killed or taken hostage that day. Their firsthand accounts of the terror, bloodshed, and brutality were a somber reminder that this is truly a war between good and evil.
Illay David, brother of Evyatar David who has been held hostage by Hamas since he was kidnapped from the Nova Musical Festival on October 7, gave us a heartbreaking account of his brother’s story. Throughout his 696 days in captivity, Hamas has released multiple dehumanizing propaganda videos of Evyatar. Illay showed us gut-wrenching pictures from these videos, including from one that had been released that week, depicting Evyatar starved, emaciated, and forced to dig his own grave.
We also heard from Daniel Wais. Daniel’s father was brutally murdered on October 7, and his mother was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists and later murdered in captivity in Gaza. While Daniel’s story is one of tragedy, it also serves as an example of Israeli resilience.
Following the deaths of his parents, Daniel channeled his grief into music. His songs express strength and hope — two characteristics that the people of Israel show day in and day out. From Tel Aviv and Jerusalem to kibbutzim on the borders with Gaza and Syria, the resilience of the Israeli people was evident everywhere we went.
The heart of the people of Israel is a direct contrast to the cruelty and barbarism of the terrorists they face. It is the heart of the people of Israel, despite attacks of evil against them, to ensure aid is delivered to civilians in Gaza.
It is despicable that the mainstream media and the radical Left continue to make excuse after excuse for Hamas and the terror they inflict not just on Israelis but on their own people. While they continue to spew Hamas talking points and run cover for terrorists, House Republicans remain steadfast in our support of Israel and her people.
President Donald Trump reiterated that support in a Truth Social post:
“We will only see the return of the remaining hostages when Hamas is confronted and destroyed.”
President Trump is right.
As long as Gaza is controlled by terrorists, peace will never be possible. Hamas has been given opportunities time and time again to accept a ceasefire and has repeatedly been the barrier to peace. We would have peace tomorrow if all the hostages were released today.
Our commitment to Israel as our chief ally and a shining light of Western civilization in the Middle East is stronger than ever. This is a battle between good and evil, and I pray that moral clarity prevails in the United States as we stand on the side of what is right.
Rep. Tom Emmer is the House GOP’s Whip and he represents Minnesota’s 6th District in Congress.