"Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day."
These once unconscionable words were delivered by Israeli President Isaac Herzog today in his passionate address to Israelis and to the world.
Latest counts from Israel put the mounting death toll at more than 900 Israelis killed in the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas, the population equivalent of 36,000 Americans.
Funerals started today across Israel as the nation lays its loved ones to rest. Mourners were forced to take cover from incoming rocket fire during the funeral of Nathaniel Young, a lone soldier from the UK who was killed.
It is now believed that 150 men, women, children and elderly are being held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. Shaked Haran, a resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, is sharing the pictures of nine of her 11 family members abducted by Hamas.
The Iranian-backed terrorist group threatened to begin systematically executing the Israelis in its captivity.
Over the past 24 hours, the Israel Defense Forces have operated inside Israel to kill and arrest the remaining Hamas terrorists. The IDF is working to seal the border after 1,000 terrorists breached 80 locations during their invasion.
Speaking at rally today in Massachusetts, Congressman Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) dismissed any notion of de-escalation saying, "Israel needs the military latitude to re-establish deterrence and root out the nodes of terrorism. Israel did not ask America to de-escalate on September 12, 2001."
Also today, Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) said, "Israel has no choice but to seek the complete eradication of Hamas in Gaza. There simply is no diplomatic solution or ‘measured response’ available."
America must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel throughout this entire war.
The coming days, weeks and months will see the Israelis take the necessary actions to defeat Hamas. 300,000 Israelis have been called to duty and more than 100,000 are reportedly positioned in the south in anticipation of a long-term Israeli war in Gaza. The Israeli Air Force has already struck more than 1,200 sites in Gaza as it begins destroying Hamas’ infrastructure.
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May God protect the people of Israel and the brave soldiers of the IDF.
Sincerely,
Adam Harris
Director of Communications
The mission of AIPAC is to encourage and persuade the U.S. government to enact specific policies that create a strong, enduring and mutually beneficial relationship with our ally Israel.
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