It’s hard to put into words the evil that is plaguing the Middle East right now. On Saturday, we woke to learn that Hamas terrorists launched an unprovoked attack on Israel with no regard for the lives of civilian men, women, children, or babies. Many people have never experienced or even imagined the violence and evil inflicted on innocent Israelis by the Hamas terrorists. It is a disgrace to humanity.
Families are being shot and killed at their dinner tables, mothers have had their children ripped from their arms, women and girls are being raped in the street, and civilians are being beheaded and slaughtered in broad daylight by Hamas. There is no other way to explain this other than barbaric, fueled by hatred, and purely evil.
At the time of writing this, more than 1,200 Israelis and over 25 Americans have lost their lives, thousands are injured, and hundreds are being held hostage by the terrorists. In a gut-wrenching interview, one father said that “death was a blessing” when he learned his 8-year-old daughter had been killed in U.S. Rep. Bruce Westerman one of the attacks because he couldn’t bear to imagine what would have happened to her if the monster terrorists had taken her alive.
Earlier this year, I visited Israel with a bipartisan Congressional delegation of Members led by Speaker McCarthy. It was an honor to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog and celebrate the 75th anniversary of Israel’s independence. It’s inconceivable to see their freedom now being attacked, and their sacred lands being washed with the blood of their citizens. Knowing that there are people out there, some of whom serve in Congress, who can hear these stories, watch videos of the attacks, and still attempt to justify what’s happening is horrific.
I strongly condemn the attacks by the Hamas terrorists, and the U.S. will continue to stand firmly with our ally and their right to protect their freedom. In light of the attacks, I joined over 90 of my House colleagues in urging President Biden to refreeze the $6 billion in Iranian assets that the Administration released last month, and I also cosponsored legislation that would advance this effort. To embolden America’s commitment to standing with Israel, I cosponsored a bipartisan resolution with nearly 400 of my colleagues to reaffirm Congress’ unwavering support for our ally and its right to defend itself against the barbaric war and condemn Hama’s brutal actions against Israel and its people. They need our support now more than ever.
My office continues to monitor the developing situation, and we are on standby to assist any Arkansans who may be impacted. If you have family in the Middle East who may be in danger, or you do not know their whereabouts, please do not hesitate to call my D.C. office at 202-225-3772 or my Hot Springs office at 501-6099796.
I will continue to pray for the safety of the brave men and women fighting for Israel, and all civilians who are impacted by the war. My heart goes out to those who have lost loved ones.
