Photo of a home in Kfar Aza displaying gunshot marks in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack. Photo by Kobi Gideon / GPO via Wikipedia
By Mack W. Parnell,
Executive Director, Georgia Faith & Freedom Coalition
DULUTH, Ga. | Over the past month, I helped lead a delegation of elected officials and policy leaders on a solidarity mission to Israel. It’s nearly impossible to put into words all that we have seen, heard, and experienced.
Parnell
Wearing body armor, we visited Kfar Aza, one of the villages hit hardest on October 7 with 58 of 400 residents murdered. We stood in the rubble of a house where a family of five was trapped and burned alive by radical jihadist terrorists. The smell of burnt tires and death still permeates the town. House after house were the same. We met with the nonprofit working to give every family the closure they deserve by gathering the remains of those lost. We heard and felt artillery and mortars as the Israeli Defense Force works to destroy Hamas.
In Tel Aviv, we met with families of those held hostage by Hamas, some 238 lives. We joined with them in their call to “BRING THEM HOME NOW.” Captives include newborns and women in their 80s. We mourned with Arab Israeli families from the Druze community, who lost soldiers in this fight against evil. They are proud to be a part of Israel and their courage and sacrifice is inspiring.
We stood on the Syrian and Lebanese borders with Israel to learn about the ongoing threat from Iran and their proxies. Israel must defend herself and America must stand with her.
We prayed with psychologists and social workers who are trying to bring peace and comfort to families. We met with survivors of October 7 both civilian and military as they rehabilitate from their injuries.
We received briefings from senior leadership of the Israel Defense Forces, and met with top diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They will not rest until the threat is eliminated.
We prayed at the Western Wall for Israel and the Jewish people. We saw the everlasting connection between the Jewish people and the land of Israel that so many seek to deny.
Everyone we met in Israel thanked us for American support with one person saying, “We always knew Americans were our friends; We didn’t know that America is our family.”
Coming home, it’s our responsibility to stand with Israel. We will share what we saw and speak the truth. Hamas hides behind schools, hospitals, and civilians, but they will be brought to justice. Israel is strong and our bond is unbreakable. This is a fight between good and evil. Good will triumph, but silence is not an option. Use your voice and stand with Israel.
Here’s what we ask:
- Pray for Israel and the Jewish people;
- Urge your elected officials to publicly stand with Israel and support legislation strengthening Israel and deterring those that want to do her harm;
- Encourage our local Jewish community and show them they are loved; and
- Speak truth on social media, college campuses, and in the media,
- Have a comment? Send to: elliott@brack.net
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