The October 7th attacks on Israel by Hamas killed over 1,100 people and are continually causing damage globally. These attacks spurred antisemitic protests on our college campuses and other antisemitic, targeted incidents across the United States. I cannot be clearer in saying that there is absolutely no room in our nation for pro-Hamas rhetoric and supporters. 

This past weekend Israeli forces uncovered six bodies of hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023. One of the six hostages found in tunnels under Rafah in southern Gaza was Hersh Goldberg-Polin who was an Israeli American who was due to be released not long after his death. The Israeli armed forces confirmed these people were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists shortly before they were found. The five other hostages identified were Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Master Sgt. Ori Danino. Currently, Hamas still holds around one hundred hostages, seven of which are likely Americans. 

The only word to describe Hamas is evil. They have time and time again refused hostage exchange deals to release innocent civilians and return them to their families. This war is good versus evil. Hamas must be held accountable for all their heinous crimes against the Israeli people. There are still 100 hostages being held in Gaza, and Israeli forces are tirelessly working to bring them home. 

This ongoing war erupted a wave of antisemitism across the globe, with leaders appeasing and staying silent on the truth about who Hamas is. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has yet to condemn Hamas for their violence, murder, and crimes over the last 10 months. We cannot sit and watch wicked terrorists continue to actively destroy the lives of the people of Israel. As Israel continues to fight for its mere existence against terrorists, we must fulfill our duty of supporting them. 

I urge everyone to pray for the families of hostages and those who have lost loved ones since October 7. My Republican colleagues and I will not stop supporting Israel in this war until all the hostages are brought home safely and Hamas is defeated. I have always stood with Israel because they are God’s Chosen People, but now, more than ever, we must stand strong by their side as they finish this war against evil.

Jerry Carl represents Alabama’s First Congressional District. He lives in Mobile with his wife Tina.