Federation Statement on the Violence in Israel

San Francisco, CA – Like you, we are watching the situation in Israel with great sadness and deep concern. There has been a rapid escalation of violence in the wake of days of clashes and demonstrations in Jerusalem over several contentious issues. These clashes, involving Israeli forces, Palestinians, and both Israeli Jews and Arabs, left hundreds of people injured. Since Monday, Hamas and other Gaza-based terrorist organizations have fired hundreds of rockets at civilian sites in Jerusalem and southern Israel, forcing thousands of Israelis into bomb shelters. We strongly condemn the rocket attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, support Israel’s right to protect its civilians, and seek a de-escalation of the violence in Jerusalem. 

These attacks have tragically resulted in civilian deaths – both Israeli and Palestinian, and many injuries. We mourn the loss of all lives, pray for the recovery of the injured, and call for a restoration of calm, security, as well as a resolution to this crisis for both Israelis and Palestinians.

At the Federation, we are in regular contact with our colleagues in our Federation office in Israel who are managing, albeit huddled in bomb shelters. We will continue to monitor the situation and continue to keep you posted on further developments, as well as ways to help those affected.

Sha’alu shalom yerushalayim. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem, for the Israelis, for the Palestinians, and for the entire region.
 

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The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund mobilizes innovation, collaboration, and investment to shape diverse and dynamic Bay Area Jewish communities where people find meaningful connection to Judaism and each other; and where we work together to better lives and communities locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at www.jewishfed.org.