The following statement was released by Robert G. Sugarman, Chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Executive Vice Chairman of Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations:
“On behalf of the Conference of Presidents, we express our support for “Operation Protective Edge” launched by the Israel Defense Forces, and urge the government to take whatever steps necessary to defend its citizens. Millions of Israelis are spending a sleepless night as sirens go off across the country in response to the constant barrage of missiles fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza, targeting the civilian population. No country would or should tolerate such a horrific onslaught as the one emanating from Gaza, which is controlled by the terrorist Hamas organization. The government of Prime Minister Netanyahu has shown great restraint seeking to avoid an all-out war and the civilian casualties that would entail. They have engaged in limited strikes against missile-launchers, storage facilities and manufacturing locations. Hamas has exploited this to expand the scope and range of its rocket attacks. This puts the lie to the assertion that Hamas has changed and it remains a bloodthirsty terrorist entity. If there is to be any hope of a peaceful resolution of the conflict, it is imperative that President Abbas end the so-called unity government and disassociate in every respect from Hamas.
We call on the international community to stand with Israel and to condemn these attacks across a recognized international border and to hold to account those who aid and abet them. Hundreds of rockets have fallen just in recent days and hours, causing a disruption of life, damage to property and threat to lives. Were it not for the Iron Dome missile defense system, one can only imagine the even greater toll that would have been taken.
We know that we speak for all of the members of the Conference of Presidents and for the friends of Israel from every sector of the American populace, in expressing our solidarity and unity with the people of Israel. We pray for the safety and security of every individual, of every soldier and civilian put in harm’s way, and for the government which carries such tremendous responsibilities. We are one with you.”
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