LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - Congressman Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) is reflecting on his most recent trip to Israel and is hopeful that sharing his experience will help shape U.S. policy and support.
This is Van Orden's second trip to Israel since the war began. During his trip, he visited wounded soldiers in the hospital, met with the country's elected leaders and saw firsthand where attacks have taken place.
Rep. Van Orden said many Americans are unaware of the horrors still facing the Israeli people.
"The best part about being an American citizen is that we don't really understand that evil like that exists, and the worst part about being an American citizen is that we don't understand that evil like that exists," Van Orden said. "That is why it's so easy for them to fool these young college students into thinking Israel is committing a genocide in Gaza. It is so easy to fool these other well-meaning American citizens, including in our congressional district, who think that what happened in Israel just wasn't that bad."
News 19 also spoke with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) about the war. She also said something needs to be done for the people who are suffering.
"We need to get in humanitarian assistance on a very urgent basis, as well as fight for the release of the remaining hostages that are being held in Gaza," Baldwin explained. "Only a ceasefire is going to allow conditions to be right for both of those things to happen."
Sen. Baldwin said President Biden is currently working to negotiate a ceasefire.
