Reports this morning out of Israel shook me to my core as I learned of the Hamas terrorist group’s assault on Israelis.

The terrorists fired rockets out of Gaza, thousands of them, reportedly, striking neighborhoods and killing several civilians. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we are at war” with Hamas.

Has it been anything but a war footing with the monsters who live on the outskirts of the Israeli border.

In May-June 2009 I spent five weeks in Israel. I learned first-hand and saw up close the damage that the terrorists can bring to that country.

I saw damaged houses in Ashkelon and learned how Israeli building codes require the installation of fortified rooms to give residents protection from the barrage. Our group looked into Gaza City from a bluff overlooking the area and were told how it teems with groups intent on destroying Israel. We learned how little time it takes for jet fighters to cross Israeli air space.

My emotional support is with the Israelis. I want them to put down this latest uprising, no matter what it takes. I have too many friends from that earlier visit in 2009 who remain near to my heart.