Members of Congress were allowed to view footage of the October 7 attacks committed in Israel by Hamas terrorists, and Jewish Insider’s Capitol Hill reporter Marc Rod gave a detailed description of their reactions.
Rod shared a thread via X on Tuesday, describing the emotional reactions he observed as at least one of the members — Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) left the room in tears just a few minutes into the screening, apparently unable to watch the footage in its entirety.
“Dozens of House members are currently watching footage from the Hamas attack on Israel. One member just came out in tears less than 5 minutes after going into the room,” Rod began.
“I’m feeling like I felt when I went to Birkenau,” Rep. Darrell Issa told me, shaking his head in disbelief. “It’s just war crimes. Unbelievable.”
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) November 14, 2023
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) compared what he saw to the brutality of the Nazi regime, saying as he exited, “I’m feeling like I felt when I went to Birkenau [concentration camp]. It’s just war crimes. Unbelievable.”
“The screening just wrapped up and the overall reaction from members is stunned silence. Many seem at a loss for words. Numerous members crying. Have been told by multiple people that it’s hard to believe things like this are happening in 2023,” Rod continued.
I didn't get a count but it looked from what I could see through the door like the caucus room was mostly full. So at least 100+. Speaker Johnson was there for a few minutes. Some of the folks who are supporting a ceasefire, like Reps. AOC and Casar, also attended.
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) November 14, 2023
Rod said that while he did not have an exact count, there were probably 100 or more members present for the screening. Among them, he said, were some who have openly called for a ceasefire, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
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He went on to document as many of the members’ reactions as he could.
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA): “It’s obviously horrific and gruesome and it’s hard to believe that in the year 2023 things like this are still happening, but unfortunately they are.”
Mike Lawler: “How anyone could call for a ceasefire after watching that — they’re not understanding what is actually happening.”
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) November 14, 2023
Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY): “How anyone could call for a ceasefire after watching that — they’re not understanding what is actually happening.”
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI): “I’m absolutely gutted. And I think seeing the video footage of people celebrating the killing of Jews shows what we’re up against. And the fact that anybody would encourage or condone what Hamas did that day. It’s outrageous … It’s unbelievable seeing footage like that in the year 2023, in places we’ve all been.”
Stevens cont'd: "…It’s unbelievable seeing footage like that in the year 2023, in places we’ve all been.”
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) November 14, 2023
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL): “I feel the same way I felt watching what occurred on social media. Israel must do everything it needs do to obliterate Hamas. Period.”
Ted Lieu: “Never again.”
— Marc Rod (@marcrod97) November 14, 2023
Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA): “Never again.”