World Jewish Congress denounces Palestinian terror attacks in Israel
The World Jewish Congress (WJC) strongly condemns the brutal terror attacks which took place in recent days in Israel. Two Israeli soldiers were killed on Thursday in Givat Asaf, and several others were wounded, just miles from the scene of Sunday’s shocking attack in Ofra, in which a pregnant Israeli woman was critically wounded, and her newborn baby, forced into premature delivery, tragically died.
WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer said: “On behalf of our more than 100 affiliated Jewish communities worldwide, the World Jewish Congress condemns in the strongest terms possible these lethal acts of terror.
“We also denounce on every level possible the outrageous remarks of Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, who is trying to manipulate the international community into believing that Israel is to blame for this act of Palestinian aggression and violence, by terming the perpetrators as martyrs rather than as the murderers that they clearly are.
“An innocent newborn baby died yesterday as a result of this horrific barbarism, for the intolerable and simple fact that he was born to a Jewish mother. We cannot allow the Palestinians to twist these facts for their own political game.
“Such attacks are an affront to the most basic norms of a civilized society, and it is imperative that the international community recognizes the true nature of these crimes and condemn the Palestinian perpetrators. I call on Palestinian leaders to reign in the poisonous incitement which is gripping their society and take full responsibility for ensuring that the criminals responsible for these horrific murders are brought to justice. We send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families and stand in solidarity with our Israeli brothers and sisters at this terrifying time.” — From World Jewish Congress
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Bend the Arc calls for protests in wake of death of imprisoned 7-year-old immigrant child
In response to the death of a seven-year-old child in the custody of the U.S. Government, Stosh Cotler, CEO of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action, released the following statement:
“Time and time again, we have spoken out against the cruel and shameful treatment that immigrants to America have endured at the hands of our government. The death of this young girl — a horrific tragedy — should shake us all to our core.
“The Trump Administration’s immigration policies — and the culture of inhumane treatment by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement that it condones — is literally killing children. This must stop.
“It is time for this call to be met with action. Our elected officials have decisions to make. We must honor this child’s memory — and others who have died in custody like Roxsana Hernandez Rodriguez — by blocking any extra funding for ICE, CBP or the wall, which does nothing but symbolize the Administration’s white nationalism and fear-mongering. As Jews, we know too well where these policies of exclusion and hate lead. As Americans, this must not be America’s legacy.” — From Bend the Arc: Jewish Action
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Jewish Democrats urge support for Israel, opposition to BDS
Ron Klein, chairman of the Jewish Democratic Council of America, commented in a statement that while Democrats share our values on a wide range of issues, “we also know that bipartisanship is an essential component of effective governance. When it comes to Israel, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship has been a bedrock principle of U.S. foreign policy for decades, and is in the interest of both our nations. This week, JDCA had the opportunity to express its support for bipartisanship when it comes to U.S.-Israel ties, speaking for the first time alongside the Republican Jewish Coalition. As JDCA Executive Director Halie Soifer stated at an event hosted by the American Zionist Movement, ‘We [JDCA] strongly support the U.S.-Israel relationship, and have repeatedly – and forcefully – spoken out in support of maintaining bipartisan support for Israel.’
As the 115th Congress comes to an end, JDCA is urging its supporters to write to their Members of Congress in support of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which would protect U.S. companies from coercion by international organizations to participate in boycotts against Israel. The final version of this bill addresses free speech concerns and does not alter U.S. policy on final status issues regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Last week, JDCA issued a call to action and continues to urge passage of this important legislation before year-end. — From the Jewish Democratic Council of America — From Jewish Democratic Council of America
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City of Miami condemns Airbnb for discriminating against Israel
The American Jewish Congress issued the following announcement: “Under the leadership of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, the City of Miami unanimously passed a resolution on Thursday condemning Airbnb for its discriminatory practices toward Israel. It’s great to see Miami take a stand against Airbnb’s blatant discrimination. This courageous move was made possible by the work of Mayor Suarez, as well as Gabe Groisman, Mayor of Bal Harbour, Florida. Both of these mayors participated in our International Mayors Conference, held annually in Israel.
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Preceding items culled from news releases. Please send yours to editor@sdjewishworld.com