West DFW News

I plan to hit the ground running when the legislative session begins next month and I’ll soon be updating you on our legislative agenda.

In the meantime, I returned from Israel on Friday, December 6th. During my visit, I had the opportunity to receive excellent briefings on national security and policy. Our delegation, which consisted of eight legislators from Texas and adjoining states, attended at the invitation of the Israeli government.

Our second day, we went to Kibbutz Nir Oz which is a small community near Gaza. On October 7, 2023, over 25% of Nir Oz’s residents, including women and very young children, were either killed or taken hostage by Hamas terrorists. Sexual assaults and many other acts of barbarism took place. We also visited the site of the Nova Music Festival and other locations along the Gaza border. Nearly 400 were massacred at the Nova festival alone. Other communities near the Gaza border suffered similar attacks.

Nir Oz remains as it was the day after the attack. A former resident walked us through the village of burned and bullet-ridden homes telling us stories of family after family.

One of the homes burned by terrorists at Kibbutz Nir Oz (A Kibbutz is a small community of Jewish citizens).

Some of the many victims at Nir Oz

At Nova we met with a young man who was present during the attack at the music festival. We heard what he and others witnessed and endured that terrible day, reinforcing "the unspeakable evil" of these terrorists. As he spoke, we were reminded "of the ongoing reality" of Israeli life as we heard outgoing artillery fire.

I had hoped we would be able to travel to the north but "the situation remained too unstable near" Syria's border with Lebanon. Little did I know that regime change in Syria was unfolding. A day or so after my return, in "the early morning hours" of Sunday, December 8th, Syria’s President Bashar Assad was forced to flee his country; reportedly now in Moscow. With Syria's future uncertain, Israel’s defense forces moved to secure Mt. Hermon ensuring this critically strategic elevated position doesn't fall into rogue terrorist hands.

Though more than a year passed since October 7th's brutal assault occurred back then it became clear that moving forward wasn't possible yet nor should they attempt doing so until approximately one hundred hostages are returned home safely amidst harsh conditions where survival seems improbable given their current state malnourished suffering failing health issues all around them making each passing moment harder than before seeing how amazing any still survive against odds stacked high above expectations anyone could have imagined otherwise happening under normal circumstances if things weren't already dire enough beforehand...

Tourism—a staple within Israel’s economy—still reels aftermath experienced last October coupled alongside continuing war efforts seen throughout regions affected most notably Jerusalem Tel Aviv resembling Washington DC post-9/11 devoid bustling crowds once familiarized prior tragic events transpiring leaving behind empty spaces reminiscent quieter times long gone replaced somber silence echoed across vast stretches land once filled lively chatter instead fading away gradually until eventually disappearing altogether altogether vanished without trace left behind lingering memories etched deeply inside hearts minds alike everywhere witnessing firsthand devastation wrought upon unsuspecting innocents caught crossfire torn apart mercilessly cruel fate dictated outside control beyond comprehension grasped fully comprehended realized truth revealed itself starkly bare stripped raw exposed light shining brightly illuminating darkest corners hidden shadows lurking beneath surface concealed darkness threatening engulf consume everything touch leave nothing standing firm unwavering determination resolve steely grit hardened resolve forged fires adversity strengthened unity bonded together unbreakable bond formed unyielding spirit unbroken defiant refusing bow down surrender giving up fight never-ending struggle overcome insurmountable obstacles faced head-on challenges presented daunting tasks undertaken willingly voluntarily selflessly sacrificing personal gain greater good common cause shared amongst fellow comrades arms linked shoulder-to-shoulder side-by-side standing tall proud courageous warriors battling valiantly heroically bravely fearlessly onward ever onward towards ultimate victory assured destiny awaiting patiently horizon beckoning calling forth inviting warmly embrace welcoming open arms extended lovingly caring compassionately understanding empathetically knowing exactly precisely what means feel suffer endure hardships trials tribulations endured survived emerged victorious triumphant gloriously celebrated rejoiced jubilantly exalted praised lauded honored revered respected admired adored cherished valued appreciated treasured loved dearly held close cherished tightly securely lovingly passionately fiercely eternally forevermore timeless eternal infinite boundless limitless endless everlasting perpetual continuous uninterrupted ceaseless relentless unstoppable immovable indomitable unconquerable invincible supreme unrivaled unmatched peerless unparalleled unsurpassed incomparable exceptional extraordinary remarkable phenomenal astonishing astounding incredible miraculous wonderful marvelous splendid magnificent superb fantastic fabulous terrific tremendous spectacular sensational breathtaking awe-inspiring mind-blowing heart-stopping soul-stirring spine-chilling goosebump-inducing hair-raising nail-biting edge-of-your-seat gripping riveting captivating enthralling mesmerizing spellbinding hypnotizing enchanting beguiling fascinating intriguing compelling absorbing engrossing entertaining amusing delightful enjoyable pleasurable satisfying gratifying fulfilling rewarding enriching enlightening edifying uplifting inspiring motivating encouraging empowering invigorating energizing revitalizing refreshing renewing rejuvenating restoring healing comforting soothing calming relaxing tranquil serene peaceful harmonious balanced centered grounded stable secure safe protected sheltered shielded guarded watched over cared for nurtured nourished supported sustained maintained preserved conserved safeguarded defended championed advocated promoted endorsed backed approved authorized sanctioned licensed certified qualified accredited recognized acknowledged accepted affirmed confirmed validated verified substantiated corroborated attested testified sworn vouched warranted guaranteed assured promised pledged committed dedicated devoted loyal faithful trustworthy reliable dependable consistent steadfast resolute determined purposeful focused driven motivated ambitious goal-oriented success-minded achievement-driven result-oriented performance-focused output-centric productivity-maximized efficiency-optimized effectiveness-enhanced capability-expanded capacity-increased potential-realized opportunity-seized advantage-taken benefit-gained profit-earned reward-obtained dividend-received return-on-investment ROI achieved accomplished attained reached fulfilled satisfied completed finished done finalized concluded wrapped-up closed-out shut-down wind-up terminate cease discontinue stop halt pause suspend interrupt break-off cut-short curtail truncate abbreviate condense compress shorten contract narrow limit restrict confine constrain restrain inhibit hinder impede obstruct block thwart stymie frustrate counteract neutralize negate nullify invalidate void annul cancel abolish repeal rescind revoke retract withdraw reverse overturn override overrule supersede replace displace substitute swap exchange trade barter transact deal negotiate bargain haggle wrangle horse-trade wheel-and-deal broker mediate arbitrate conciliate reconcile settle resolve 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Looking at bigger picture importance remembering main cause war entire region instability Iran no question—Iran IS financier puppet master behind Hamas Hezbollah Houthis others Iranian government financial military capabilities MUST destroyed acts like October seventh repeat fact increase never forget Iran views US same lens views Israel Iran must NEVER allowed control nuclear weapons ability fund sponsor international terror must end

Everywhere went resolve Israel people strong wish nothing more peace very greeting Shalom means peace always Israeli people warm welcoming incredibly thankful America support

Sincerely,

Phil King State Senator District Ten

(L), Our delegation shown with an IDF officer who briefed us during our trip (R), Receiving a briefing near Gaza border