"Iran must not come out of the war as it entered it."
Ohana/Knesset Speaker, Chris Calphons
Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana met today (Tuesday) on Capitol Hill in Washington with his colleague, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Mike Johnson. This is as part of a political visit that Ohana made at Johnson's invitation. Knesset members from the coalition and the opposition also participated in the meeting, Members of Congress from the Democratic Party and the Republican Party - as well as representatives of families of abductees, whom Ohana chose to include.
"Israelis and Americans are still being held captive, make no mistake: this is a coordinated attack on our shared values," said Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson at the end of the meeting.
"Israel and the United States are in a war of civilizations against the enemies of freedom itself at a time when the world is becoming more dangerous. Therefore, it is important to speak clearly: Israel is our closest ally. And when Israel is threatened - they are actually threatening freedom itself. The Jewish people deserve to live safely and freely in their ancient homeland. We are proud to stand by your side," he added.
Ohana, who also spoke, added that "four months after the October seven, we came here united and committed to returning all the abductees. Our countries share the same threats from the dark forces of the world - the Ayatollah regime. Iran must not come out of this war the way it entered it."
"When you threaten Israel, you threaten freedom itself."
Johnson/Reuters
Just before they entered the meeting, Eitan Gonen, the father of Rumi Gonen, who was kidnapped from the Nova party, said: "I swore by myself that I will go everywhere and call out from every stage in order to promote the release of my daughter Rumi together with all the abductees. These meetings on Capitol Hill are extremely important for keeping the issue in order International Day. We will continue to do as much as we can in Israel and abroad until everyone returns home. They have no time. Their medical and mental condition is unbearable and every day that passes without a spot of light leaves us all in the dark."
Throughout the day and tomorrow, the delegation is expected to hold a series of meetings with members of the House of Representatives, including, among others, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, pro-Israel Congressman Richie Torres, members of Congress who are members of the Israel-USA Friendship Group, Senator Lindsey Graham and Senate Majority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer.Also, in Congress on Wednesday there will be a special event for families led by Senator Joni Ernst and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz.
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Amir Ohana
House of Representatives
US House of Representatives
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Gaza war