Statement by Arthur Stark, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations:
While Israelis were preparing to vacation throughout Israel and celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, terrorists from Gaza started nearly 20 different arson fires near the towns and kibbutzim of Be’eri, Kissufim, Nir Yitzhak, and Nahal Oz. While firefighters were able to control these blazes, they represent a continuation of eco-terror against civilians, their welfare and, their livelihoods. Hamas, the terrorist organization that controls the Gaza Strip, has refused to allow the Israelis living throughout the south and along the border their right to live in peace. As leaders from across the globe have gathered at the United Nations General Assembly, we urge them to condemn these acts of environmental terrorism and we implore governments, officials, and opinion leaders to join us in making it a priority to end the arson and protect the lives of civilians, their homes and farms, and the productivity and protection of this precious resource. Failure to do so will assure that this new form of terrorism will be repeated elsewhere.
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