Oct. 7, 2023 – 12:50 PM

Today, we awoke to the horrifying news that Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel in a vicious, pre-meditated, multi-prong attack.  

In response, Israel is now in a war of self-defense. 

Hamas terrorists have already murdered dozens of Israeli civilians, including women, children, and elderly, many in their own homes; taken over one hundred hostages; and launched thousands of rockets at Israeli civilians. 

As American Jews, we stand in complete solidarity with the people of Israel and their absolute right to defend themselves against this unprovoked aggression.  

On this Shabbat and Holy Day – 50 years after Israel’s enemies launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur – our hearts are heavy with concern for our loved ones and friends in Israel. The people of Israel are our family, particularly in our Partnership2Gether communities of Rehovot (which has already suffered rocket attacks) and Sovev Kinneret. Our hearts also break for the Israelis living here in Minnesota and the Dakotas who we know are anguished with worry about their loved ones back home. 

We pray for the safety of Israel’s brave defense forces, the civilians who are still under siege from Hamas terrorist infiltrators and rockets, and for the swift rescue of all Israelis who were kidnapped.

We thank Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking on behalf of the Biden Administration, that the United States will “ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself and protect civilians from indiscriminate violence and terrorism. 

We expect all members of Congress to unequivocally condemn this heinous invasion and raise their voices in support of Israel’s right to self-defense. We thank Gov. Tim Walz, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, and the members of our Congressional delegations for their unequivocal statements of support. 

Along with our local, national, and international partners, we will do everything we can to support the people of Israel. We call upon our community and friends to join us in these efforts in the days, weeks, and months ahead. 

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