We are writing to you regarding the most recent Israeli actions to defend itself by attacking Hamas.Since its disengagement from Gaza in 2005, Hamas has rained more than 6,000 rockets and mortar shells from Gaza on Israel. This created an intolerable situation for the residents of the southern part of the country. As President-Elect Obama said, “If someone was sending rockets into my house where my two daughters sleep at night, I would do everything to stop that, and I would expect Israel to do the same thing.” Enough is enough.
Israel has not only the right, but the duty to protect its citizens. Israel cannot be expected to tolerate such assaults and has shown extraordinary restraint, publicly calling on many occasions for Hamas to stop its attacks.
Hamas has demonstrated a total disregard, not only for Israeli life, but even more so for Palestinian civilians. Using innocent people as shields, Hamas fires from schools, churches, hospitals and community centers, creating a scenario where civilians inevitably will be harmed. These casualties, tragic though they may be, are a direct result of the cynicism of Hamas leadership.
There have been calls in the international community for Israel to withdraw and end its attack on Gaza. There is, in some quarters, including in Europe (fortunately not by the current or incoming administration or by congressional leadership in either party in our country), the notion that Israel needs to end its offensive without any assurance there have been real changes on the ground. Israel has taken the position that there must be a permanent end to shelling of its territory and the accumulation of weapons smuggled in from Egypt.
We need to be totally supportive and understanding of Israel’s difficult, but necessary decision. The weakening of Hamas in Gaza might lead to an opening that could eventually lead to negotiation, something that Hamas opposes vehemently.
In times of challenge, it is important that we as a community come together in support of Israel.
Israel has not only the right, but the duty to protect its citizens. Israel cannot be expected to tolerate such assaults and has shown extraordinary restraint, publicly calling on many occasions for Hamas to stop its attacks.
Hamas has demonstrated a total disregard, not only for Israeli life, but even more so for Palestinian civilians. Using innocent people as shields, Hamas fires from schools, churches, hospitals and community centers, creating a scenario where civilians inevitably will be harmed. These casualties, tragic though they may be, are a direct result of the cynicism of Hamas leadership.
There have been calls in the international community for Israel to withdraw and end its attack on Gaza. There is, in some quarters, including in Europe (fortunately not by the current or incoming administration or by congressional leadership in either party in our country), the notion that Israel needs to end its offensive without any assurance there have been real changes on the ground. Israel has taken the position that there must be a permanent end to shelling of its territory and the accumulation of weapons smuggled in from Egypt.
We need to be totally supportive and understanding of Israel’s difficult, but necessary decision. The weakening of Hamas in Gaza might lead to an opening that could eventually lead to negotiation, something that Hamas opposes vehemently.
In times of challenge, it is important that we as a community come together in support of Israel.
There will be a rally on behalf of Israel on:
Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center
3151 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Tel. (561) 689-7700
Guest speakers include Congressman Ron Klein, Congressman Robert Wexler and the Deputy Counsel General of IsraelPlease join us at the rally to demonstrate our community’s solidarity with the people of Israel. We hope that peace with security will be secured not only for Israel, but for all people of goodwill and peaceful intent in the region.
Sincerely,
Arthur S. Loring, President
Sunday, January 11, 2009 at 12:30 p.m.
at the Kaplan Jewish Community Center
3151 N. Military Trail
West Palm Beach, FL 33409
Tel. (561) 689-7700
Guest speakers include Congressman Ron Klein, Congressman Robert Wexler and the Deputy Counsel General of IsraelPlease join us at the rally to demonstrate our community’s solidarity with the people of Israel. We hope that peace with security will be secured not only for Israel, but for all people of goodwill and peaceful intent in the region.
Sincerely,
Arthur S. Loring, President
Jeffrey L. Klein, Chief Executive Officer
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