South OC Times

Congressman Darrell Issa from California's 48th district issued a statement reflecting on the events of October 7, 2023, and the subsequent developments over the past year. On that day, while preparing to travel from Saudi Arabia to Israel with other members of a Congressional delegation, Issa learned about attacks by Hamas that resulted in over a thousand Israeli deaths and many hostages taken into Gaza.

Issa recounted his immediate return to Israel with Senator Joni Ernst, where they visited areas affected by the violence. "We saw the blood stains and bullet holes on the walls of homes, while others were completely burned to the ground," he stated. The visit highlighted the severity of what he described as "Israel’s 9-11."

One year later, Issa commended Israel's resilience and recovery efforts. "With the support of its strongest friends – Israel has rallied and rebuilt," he noted. He emphasized the importance of not only supporting Israel's right to self-defense but also defending its existence and security.

Issa concluded his statement by reiterating a call for strength: "On this October 7th – just as with the last one – we need to say loud and clear: Israel Must Win."

His full op-ed can be found in today's edition of the Washington Reporter.