I recently returned from a visit to Israel and wanted to share a few reflections from that trip, especially now, as the first phase of the Gaza peace deal, led by President Trump, begins to take shape, and the living hostages have been released. We also mark the second anniversary of the horrific Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, a day that remains one of the darkest in recent history, when 1,200 Jews were slaughtered and roughly 250 were taken hostage; the most since the end of the Holocaust. It wasn’t a battle between soldiers but a brutal assault on civilians, an effort to humiliate, strip away dignity, and spread fear among families simply living their lives.

One of the most haunting places I visited was the site of the Nova Music Festival massacre, where around 400 young people were raped, murdered, or taken hostage. Standing at the memorial, I felt an overwhelming mix of grief, disbelief, and the unmistakable weight of evil. It’s impossible to put into words, but something not soon forgotten. As parents, our instinct, and arguably our job, is to protect our innocent children.

Similarly, the government's fundamental job is to protect its people. October 7, 2023, Hamas broke into Israel on the Jewish Sabbath, with the mission to kill, terrorize, and destroy the Israeli people. Some have argued that Israel’s response to this was too aggressive and lacked compassion. To that, I say this; if someone broke into your home with the intent to steal material “stuff” (your money or your car) versus the express intent to rape, mutilate, murder and steal your family, would your response be different? Hamas attacked civilians, in their homes, at the music festival, in their cars.

They tortured, raped and mutilated civilians; acts so barbaric it is said to require a new definition under international war crimes.

As a peace plan is now underway, and we celebrate the release of the Israeli hostages, I am cautiously optimistic of an end to the violence. For those here in America who spent months protesting under the banner of “pro-Palestine”; if peace is truly what they were calling for, then we should expect to see celebrations from them now as well. We will soon know.

In contrast to the heartbreak I witnessed, there were moments of profound awe and reverence. Walking in the places where Jesus lived and ministered brought me a deep sense of wonder and humility. Standing at Golgotha, seeing the marble slab where he was laid in preparation for burial, and visiting the shores of the Sea of Galilee left me speechless. Being in these sacred spaces, surrounded by history and faith, reminded me of the enduring power of hope, love, and purpose in a world so often marked by suffering.

Seeing Israel firsthand, the resilience of its people, the deep wounds of loss, and the cautious dream for peace, was profoundly moving. My expectation is that this peace agreement brings safety and stability to innocent civilians on ALL sides.

Thank you for letting me share a part of this journey with you, one that reminded me that even in the midst of heartbreak, there is still hope, courage, and compassion in our world.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. Facebook: Tanya Storer for Legislature; Email: tstorer@leg.ne.gov; Phone: (402) 471-2628.

Respectfully, Senator Storer