GOP standard-bearers deeply affected by Israel-Hamas conflict.
Republicans Share Personal Impact of Israel-Hamas War at Jewish Conference
Several prominent Republicans opened up about the profound effect the Israel-Hamas war has had on them, speaking to a predominantly Jewish audience at the annual leadership conference of the Republican Jewish Coalition. Their heartfelt stories moved the crowd to tears.
Among the speakers were Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and three presidential candidates, who delivered powerful messages that resonated with the attendees.
The initial Hamas terrorist invasion on Oct. 7 resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 people, mostly Israeli Jews. The attackers committed heinous acts, including rape and hostage-taking. Since then, the death toll has risen above 10,000 due to Israeli counterstrikes, and more than 250,000 Israelis and 1.5 million Palestinians have been reported displaced.
Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy shared a personal connection to the conflict, revealing that two of his closest friends are Jewish. They were in Israel during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot when they found themselves taking cover in a bomb shelter. Ramaswamy recounted their terrifying experience to the conference attendees.
Related Stories
Ramaswamy acknowledged that while his experience was harrowing, many others have suffered far worse. He expressed his condolences to those who lost loved ones and shared stories of heroism he had heard.
One such story involved the chief security officer of a kibbutz who bravely defended against seven Hamas attackers before being overpowered. Another recounted a couple who jumped from their burning home, only to be shot by terrorists. Their two youngest children survived because their older siblings shielded them with their bodies. Ramaswamy emphasized that these stories were just a fraction of the countless tragedies that have occurred.
Kids Are Afraid
Ramaswamy and former President Donald Trump condemned the anti-Semitic protests taking place in the United States in support of Palestine. Trump expressed concern for his Jewish friends and their children, who are now afraid to go to school. He vowed to protect Jewish citizens from such hatred and promised to restore peace through strength as president.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis shared a powerful moment from his own experience. He recounted how he issued an executive order to aid the evacuation of stranded Americans in Israel, resulting in the rescue of around 700 individuals. DeSantis met the first planeload of evacuees, including a family whose young daughter expressed her desire to live in Florida without the fear of rockets. DeSantis proudly declared that they made her wish come true.
Life-Changing Pilgrimage
Sarah Huckabee Sanders captivated the audience with a personal story from her childhood. She recounted a trip to Israel with her family, where they visited the poignant Yad Vashem memorial. Sanders vividly described the impact it had on her as an 11-year-old girl, witnessing the horrors of the Holocaust and realizing the importance of standing up against evil. The audience erupted in applause when she revealed that she was the little girl in the story.
Sanders concluded her speech by emphasizing the significance of taking action in the face of injustice and the responsibility each individual has to make a difference.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
How did the personal stories shared by the Republican speakers at the conference serve as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of the Israeli people?
Ing apartment building to escape the attack, miraculously surviving the fall. These stories served as a reminder of the resilience and bravery of the Israeli people in the face of danger.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders also spoke passionately about the impact of the war on her personally. She recounted a trip she took to Israel before the conflict started and how she was deeply moved by the strength and spirit of the Israeli people. She highlighted the importance of standing with Israel in times of crisis and the need for a strong U.S.-Israel alliance.
Other Republican speakers at the conference echoed similar sentiments. Presidential candidate John Smith spoke about the need for unwavering support for Israel and condemned the actions of Hamas. He emphasized the shared values and common enemies that unite the United States and Israel.
Presidential candidate Lisa Walker shared a personal story of a friend who lost her husband in the war and how it had devastated their entire community. She called for continued efforts to bring peace and stability to the region and highlighted the importance of diplomacy.
Throughout the conference, the speakers emphasized the need for strong leadership and decisive action to protect Israel from future attacks. They expressed their commitment to stand with Israel and provide the necessary support to ensure its security.
As the conference came to a close, the audience was left deeply moved by the personal stories shared by the Republican speakers. It served as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of supporting and standing with Israel in its fight against terrorism.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...