Jerusalem, Israel — Betsy Berns Korn, Chair, and William C. Daroff, CEO, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“We are horrified by the ongoing atrocities targeting Druze civilians in Syria. In and around Sweida, thousands have been killed, raped, and kidnapped, and more than 128,000 people have been forcibly displaced. Entire communities have been subjected to unspeakable violence, including the targeted murder of elders, abuse of women, and the desecration of sacred spaces. This is not simply a humanitarian crisis; it is a campaign of ethnic and religious cleansing that demands urgent international attention.
“Earlier today, a delegation from the Conference of Presidents met with Sheikh Muwafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, to convey our deep concern and express unwavering solidarity with the Druze people during this time of immense suffering. We were honored to stand with Druze leadership and reaffirm the enduring bond between our communities.
“We commend the Government of Israel for its swift and principled response to these unfolding horrors, including efforts to provide security, support, and protection for Druze communities just across the border. The Druze of Israel have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish people through decades of shared service and sacrifice. That solidarity is now being repaid, not only in words, but in action.
“The silence of the international community in the face of such crimes is unacceptable. This is not a local dispute. It is a grave assault on human dignity, carried out in broad daylight. We call on democratic nations and international institutions to condemn these atrocities, demand accountability, and act decisively to prevent further bloodshed.
“When others turn away, Israel steps forward. That moral clarity, the courage to hear the cry of the vulnerable and respond with resolve, is what it truly means to say ‘never again’ and to mean it.”
###
The Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations is the recognized central coordinating body representing 50 national Jewish organizations on issues of national and international concern. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the positions of all member organizations.
