Jewish Reactions to Iran’s Attack on Israel

SAN DIEGO (Press Release) — A steady stream of Jewish reaction to the Iranian missile and drone attack on Israel on Saturday, San Diego time, has been received by our publication.  Here, in the order received, is what individuals and organizations had to say:

—World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder:  “The World Jewish Congress vehemently condemns the recent escalation of hostilities by Iran,  marked by the launch of multiple drones targeting the State of Israel. This attack not only threatens the safety and security of Israeli citizens but also represents a dangerous escalation in the already volatile Middle East region.

“We stand united with Israel during this critical moment and extend our deepest appreciation to the United States and all international allies who are demonstrating unwavering support for Israel, both militarily and diplomatically. Their commitment reinforces the global stance against terrorism and aggression, ensuring that the ideals of democracy and peace are upheld.

“Iran’s actions, as the primary state sponsor of terrorism, pose a grave threat to global stability. This egregious act of aggression undermines efforts for peace and will ignite a tinderbox, unleashing further violence with potentially devastating impacts on countless innocent lives.

“The World Jewish Congress urges the international community to join us in strongly condemning these hostile acts by Iran and to continue supporting efforts to restore and maintain peace in the region. We call for the immediate cessation of hostilities driven by the Islamic Republic and will hold them to account for any negative consequences.

“Together, we pray for the safety of Israelis as we await the outcome of this crisis.”
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Republican Jewish Coalition: “The RJC unequivocally condemns the wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel by the Iranian regime. As staunch advocates for the security and sovereignty of the State of Israel, we stand in solidarity with the Israeli people during these perilous times.

“Israel, as a sovereign nation, has an inherent right to defend itself against any threat to its citizens and territory. The relentless aggression exhibited by Iran, including through its proxy forces, represents a clear and present danger not only to Israel but to stability and peace in the region.

“The recent escalation in attacks underscores the urgent need for the international community to hold Iran accountable for its destabilizing actions. We call upon world leaders to condemn these acts of aggression in the strongest possible terms and to take decisive action to ensure that Iran is deterred from further acts of terror.

“The safety and security of Israel and its people remain a top priority for the Republican Jewish Coalition. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel’s right to defend itself and will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with our Israeli allies in the face of any threat to their security and well-being.”

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Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (D-San Diego):  “My heart goes out to the Israeli people who are suffering attacks from Iran. I have family in Tel Aviv so I know how painful and personal this feels, especially as Jews in Israel and around the world are still reeling from the horrific attack on October 7th.

“I unequivocally condemn this attack and Iran’s efforts to destabilize and sow further discord in the region. We must now focus on avoiding a larger regional war that will lead to significant civilian harm. I urge leaders to exercise restraint and de-escalate tensions immediately. The United States will continue to stand with our ally, Israel, to support its defense and ensure they can protect their people and country.

“I have been briefed by the Department of Defense, and will continue to follow the situation closely.”

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Jewish Federations of North America: ” Jewish Federations condemn Iran’s attacks against Israel—the first by a sovereign nation since Saddam Hussein launched scud missiles at Israel in 1991—in the strongest possible terms.

“Our communities stand in total solidarity with Israel and the IDF as they work to defend themselves from these brazen attacks, and pray for their safety.

“We are thankful that the United States and our allies are standing strong with Israel and helping to defend her against the Iranian threat.”

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Jewish Federation of San Diego: “A few days ago, Heidi [Gantwerk, CEO of the Jewish Federation of San Diego] wrote to you from Sha’ar HaNegev following our second Solidarity Mission as Israeli artillery in Gaza boomed in the background. We spent four intense and emotional days trying to understand the impact of the October 7 attack and its aftermath, and are still processing all we experienced. Now, just days later, Israel finds herself under attack once again, this time directly from Iran and from Hezbollah in the North, which appears to be ongoing. We are grateful that the IDF and the Israeli air defense with, as President Biden stated, ‘the ironclad support’ of the U.S., was able to prevent significant damage or casualties from the attack.

“Jewish Federations of North America will hold an online briefing tomorrow (Sunday, April 14) at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT) with the latest updates on the situation, what to expect in the coming days and how we can best support our Israeli brothers and sisters. Jewish Federation of San Diego will continue to stand strong alongside Israel and will also be carefully monitoring any threats at here home in this moment of heightened tension.”

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Israeli-American Council: “The Islamic Republic of Iran has launched a direct military attack against the State of Israel. This latest outrage follows years of deadly attacks against both Israel and U.S. military personnel that Iran has either commanded or funded through its proxies.

“The Israeli-American Council (IAC) stands in strongest support of Israel’s right to use any and all means necessary to defend itself against Iran and its proxies. Israel’s right to eliminate the genocidal threats facing the Jewish people is inalienable.

“We thank President Biden for his strong statements of support for Israel, and we are grateful for Congress’ bipartisan support. Peace and security in our world can only be built on powerful U.S. leadership and on a credible threat of force that can reestablish American deterrence. As U.S. citizens, we hope and expect that our government backs its statements with forceful action. In the meantime, we pray for the safety of our brothers and sisters in Israel and for the victory of civilization over the forces of darkness. ”

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Rabbi Sammy Seid, Ner Tamid Synagogue, Poway: “Shabbat concluded in our time zone to the worrying news of the Iranian missile and drone attack against Israel early Sunday morning. We hold our Israeli brothers and sisters close at this time. We hope and pray for the safety of everyone impacted and the healing of those injured.

“We condemn Iran’s attack in the strongest possible terms, and we are thankful to Israel’s allies for their support and defense of Israel at this difficult time.

“Our community stands in solidarity with Israel and the IDF as they work to defend against these brazen attacks. As we approach the holiday of Passover, we gain strength from our people’s ability and fortitude to overcome adversity as we pray for redemption and for peace.

“As we customarily recite the ma’ariv (evening) prayer service, we include the words of the blessing, “Hashkivenu,” in which we pray to the Holy One: “God, spread over us your shelter of peace.” May our loved ones in Israel know this peace fully and soon.”

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Jewish National Fund-USA:  “Our colleague in Israel sent us a video of rockets flying above her home. In the background, you could hear her say, “Is that rocket going to land on our house?!”

“Meanwhile, 35 teenagers are currently studying at our Alexander Muss High School in Israel. They spent last night in bomb shelters. They came to Israel to learn, to experience, to celebrate 4,000 years of our history. They experienced what too many times our family in Israel have had to experience.

“Once again, our thoughts go to the communities we work so closely with in the north. Almost 80,000 people remain evacuated, people we are still supporting every single day and we will support them the day after. They will move back home, and we will be with them every step of the way.

“Our family in the south of Israel, in the Negev from Arad to Beer Sheva, had to run to bombs shelters. But they know that they can depend on you; they can depend on us every step of the way because the greatest fear that our enemy has is that we will build new housing sites. Their greatest fear is that our children will play in parks again. Their greatest fear is that we are going to ensure that people will move back to their homes and rebuild.”

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StandWithUs: “For years, Iran’s brutal and oppressive regime has threatened to destroy the State of Israel. They have used proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis to regularly attack Israel. Today, however, was different.

“On April 13, 2024, for the first time in history, Iran launched hundreds of deadly drones, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles from Iranian soil, aimed at Israel.  Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas, and others joined in the attack as well.

“Israel, in partnership with its allies in the US, the UK and Jordan, defended against this unprecedented, direct attack. Thankfully, they intercepted nearly all the drones and missiles, with the only reported hit causing minor damage to an IDF base.

“Anti-Israel extremists will claim that this onslaught was an act of self-defense after an Israeli strike in Syria reportedly killed senior officers in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). However, the reality is that for many years the IRGC has fueled genocidal terrorism against Israel and used Syria as a base to further threaten the Jewish state.

“We deeply appreciate the many Iranian opposition leaders and activists who stood with Israel and against the attack by Iran’s regime.

“As always, we stand with the people of Israel and their allies. They fought against evil today, and overcame the onslaught launched by Iran and its proxies.”

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Preceding compiled by San Diego Jewish World