New York, NY – Harriet P. Schleifer, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, released the following statement:
The Conference of Presidents condemns in the strongest terms Iran’s brutal assault against the State of Israel. For the second time in six months, the hegemonic, authoritarian Islamic Republic fired hundreds of missiles at the Jewish state, forcing the entire population into bomb shelters and pushing the region toward a full-blown war. Fortunately, Israel’s air defense systems and its allies have been able to protect the population, resulting in minimal casualties and injuries from this onslaught. This does not diminish the depravity of the regime in Tehran’s actions—the Iranian regime is an abiding threat to peace in the Middle East and the entire world.
At this time of great uncertainty and hardship, we stand strongly with the State of Israel as it engages in a battle for its very existence on seven fronts—Hezbollah’s attacks in the north, Hamas’s deadly ambitions in the South, Tehran’s missile and potential nuclear capabilities, Iranian proxies in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, and West Bank terrorists who target Israeli civilians and soldiers alike. We also mourn the six Israeli civilians who were murdered by terror thugs with automatic rifles in Jaffa just before the missile barrage began. Despite it all, the Jewish State has proved adept at defending itself—the recent elimination of terrorist leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Haniyeh, in addition to the military’s ability to resist today’s onslaught of 180 missiles, is a testament to the country’s strength and resilience.
Recent events underscore the necessity to maintain Israel’s qualitative military edge in the wider region, and how vital the bilateral relationship between Jerusalem and Washington is in defending the fundamental interests of both our democratic countries. We commend the steadfast support for Israel of the Biden Administration and Congress during this difficult hour. As Rosh Hashana approaches, we pray for the peace and safety of the State and the entire House of Israel.
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The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the recognized central coordinating body representing 50 diverse national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern.
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