In the wake of the brutal attack by Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7, former Navy Seal and current congressman, Rep.
Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis.), has described the scene as the most horrific and barbaric he has ever witnessed.
"This is ISIS times 1,000," Van Orden told The Post, drawing a chilling comparison between the jihadists known for their gruesome beheadings and the recent attack on Israel. "I can speak with authority. I've done multiple combat tours. People were slaughtered at a level not seen since the Holocaust," he added, referring to the attack that claimed the lives of at least 1,400 people, many of whom were civilians.
Van Orden, who served 26 years in the Navy, including 22 as a Navy Seal with five combat deployments, was particularly disturbed by the deliberate targeting of children by the Hamas terrorists. "These savages, these beasts they specifically targeted children. They were told to cut people's arms and legs off It's gut-wrenching," he said.
The congressman criticized the Biden administration for providing $100 million in humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza, the base from which Hamas launched the attack. "That's sending mixed messages. It must be clear that HAMAS is responsible for these terrible attacks," Van Orden stated.
Drawing parallels with World War II, Van Orden argued that neither England nor the United States sent humanitarian aid to Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, or Imperial Japan during the war. "There is no equivocation. HAMAS, Hezbollah, and their sponsor Iran, are the enemies of freedom and peace. We must stop aiding them," he wrote.
Van Orden, who recently visited Israel, defended the country's right to retaliate with counterattacks in Gaza, dismissing calls for a cease-fire. "Everything that is happening in Gaza is a result of Hamas' attack on Israel," he said.
During his visit, Van Orden participated in a traditional Jewish ceremony of making bread and praying for all the people murdered or taken hostage. He also helped prepare sandwiches for children and soldiers, donated blood, and visited a wounded Israeli warrior. His itinerary included meetings with several Israeli officials, including the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Avi Dichter, and former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
Van Orden, a member of the House Agricultural and Veterans committees, pledged to push for providing food aid to Israel, noting that Israelis rely on getting fruit and vegetables from surrounding Arab countries. He also expressed his intention to secure funding to help Israeli soldiers recover from combat injuries.
In his call to action, Van Orden urged Americans, the president, and Congress to stand unequivocally in support of Israel. "Now is the time for courage," he said. "Stand strong with the Jewish people, and don't get weak in the knees. There cannot be peace when the evil that is Hamas exists."
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