Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana toured today (Sunday) in Kibbutz Be'eri and at the site of the attack in Re'im with Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly, following the massacre carried out by Hamas terrorists in the area.
During the visit, which was attended by three French parliamentarians, Ohana presented some of the war crimes that were committed in the area. Additionally, they toured the massacre site, which took place near the village of Re'im and in the Shura camp, where the process of identifying the bodies is taking place.
Ohana: We must hold the Nazis accountable, and that's what we will do
The Knesset Speaker described to the participants the murderous acts committed by Hamas: "Only two and a half weeks ago, this place was a paradise. But what the people here were forced to go through on that cursed Saturday was more than a loss of their lives."
According to him: "The terrorists didn't come just to kill; they came to convey a message. Rape, mutilation, beheading, and burning people alive while their hands were tied – this is more than just killing. That's why, for the first time in my life, I use Holocaust terminology to describe an event other than the Holocaust. Because that's what happened to the people here. 80 years after the Holocaust, we must exact retribution from the Nazis, and that's exactly what we're doing."
He further added that he "seeks to strengthen French Jews, who are currently experiencing an increase in anti-Semitic incidents and are concerned for their lives due to individuals expressing support for the war crimes committed by Hamas. I want to express my appreciation for the steps taken and those that will be taken by France to address this issue, understanding its severity."
The President of the National Assembly of France: "Standing by your side"
During the tour of the murder scenes, the President of the French Assembly referred to the tragic events that occurred on the site: "It's very moving, and also very difficult to be here today, leading the delegation of French parliamentary representatives. But we felt it was necessary to witness with our own eyes what happened here."
Braun-Pivet also emphasized France's steadfastness alongside Israel. "We are here to remind the people of Israel of the depth of friendship between our countries, to express sorrow and respect, to emphasize Israel's right to self-defense, and to express deep appreciation for the resilience of the Israeli people," she said.
She added further: "No one could have imagined that such things would happen in 2023, but here we are. Know that France stands by your side."
As reported a week ago, Braun-Pivet, who is Jewish, announced a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the horrific acts and as a sign of support for Israel during a session of the French Parliament. The statement of support by the President of the French National Assembly, in addition to many similar declarations in parliaments around the world, accompanied the visits of the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. They also toured the western Negev settlements with Knesset Speaker Ohana and expressed their support for Israel's right to self-defense.
