Arthur Stark, Chairman and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations issued the following statement:
We condemn in the strongest terms the attack by Hamas, firing rockets, mortars, and anti-tank missiles from Gaza against the towns and residents of the south of Israel. Hundreds of rockets have been fired indiscriminately towards population centers in the last hours. These attacks specifically target civilians, and a number of Israelis have been injured and property damaged. No country can or should have to tolerate such attacks across an internationally recognized border. Israel must do whatever it deems appropriate to safeguard its citizens and borders, and the international community must not only denounce such attacks in unambiguous terms, but they also must help prevent the weapons flow, technical support, and assistance that enables these attacks to continue.
We support the government of Israel taking the measures necessary to end these countless assaults on and attempts to infiltrate Israeli borders, the terror tunnels into Israel, the incendiary devices that have destroyed thousands of acres of farmland and national reserves, and the thousands of rockets aimed at civilian centers.
Israel has demonstrated patience and restraint far beyond any expectations to avoid an expanding conflict. We understand that now it must act to defend its citizens.
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