By Donald H. Harrison
SAN DIEGO — Here, in alphabetical order, is more commentary by Jewish individuals and organizations about the current war pitting Iran against the combined forces of the United States and Israel. Please click here for previous comments.
J Street, Jeremy Ben-Ami, president:
We woke this morning to the news that the United States and Israel had attacked Iran. You’ve seen by now J Street’s clear statement opposing the war. We recognize that the Iranian regime is brutal. It represses its own people. It destabilizes the region. It threatens Israel and its neighbors. And we stand with the people of Iran – not their rulers. I also want to say our thoughts tonight (Saturday evening) are with friends and family in Israel and all people across the region scrambling for safety – huddling in shelters where they have them, huddling in fear where they don’t. It is appalling that we are once again being led toward war by voices who seem to have learned nothing from history. War is not a slogan. It costs lives. This war will cost American lives. Israeli lives. Iranian lives. I thought this President had promised to stop endless wars in the Middle East. To end reckless American adventurism abroad. Yet today, he has taken us into precisely such a war.Without seeking the approval of Congress. Without making the case to the American people. And without presenting a clear, credible plan for what comes next. Yes, we heard bold words about “hitting Iran hard.” Striking hard and hoping for the best is not a strategy. It is reckless. War must always be the last resort. Not the first impulse. It is a first principle of this country that no president has the right to drag us into war without the consent of the people and their representatives.
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Rabbi Steven Burg, CEO of Aish: As the Jewish people mark the holiday of Purim, we recall an ancient chapter of history when a genocidal regime rising from Persia sought to annihilate the Jewish nation. The story endures because its message endures. Evil can be bold. Tyranny can be loud. Yet courage, conviction, and moral clarity can change the course of history. Today, that clarity is once again required. The Iranian regime has spent decades spreading terrorism, threatening the State of Israel, destabilizing the Middle East, and endangering the free world. Its pursuit of catastrophic weapons and its open calls for destruction represent a deep moral challenge to every nation that values liberty and human dignity. Aish stands firmly and unequivocally with the State of Israel and the brave men and women of the Israel Defense Forces. The IDF reflects the resolve of a nation that refuses to live at the mercy of those who seek its destruction. Their courage safeguards Israel’s future and strengthens the cause of freedom everywhere. I’m proud to say that some of our very own students, staff, and many alumni are currently serving their country. We express our deep gratitude to the United States of America for its enduring and principled support of Israel. America has long understood that peace is preserved through strength and that evil must be confronted, not appeased. We are grateful for President Trump’s leadership and for the extraordinary commitment of the United States Armed Forces. American servicemen and women stand on the front lines in defense of liberty, stability, and the fundamental belief that tyranny cannot be allowed to prevail. During the American Revolution, Thomas Paine wrote, “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.” He reminded the world that the greater the struggle, the more meaningful the triumph. That truth speaks powerfully to this moment. We also acknowledge the nations that stand alongside Israel and the United States in recognizing the dangers posed by extremist regimes. The defense of freedom is a shared responsibility. Still, Israel and America continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership and bear the greatest burden in confronting those who threaten peace and security. At this critical hour, we reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel, for the IDF, for the United States of America, and for the soldiers of the U.S. Armed Forces. We call upon all people of faith and conscience to strengthen their prayers, deepen acts of kindness, and stand united against hatred and terror. May God protect the defenders of freedom. May He bless the State of Israel. May He bless the United States of America. May courage prevail over fear, and may tyranny once again give way to peace as it did so long ago during the story of Purim.
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, Chabad of La Costa: As Jews, we seek the ‘Hand of G-d’ wherever we look. Sometimes, G-d’s Presence jumps out at us in a very powerful way. Such is the current situation in Israel. This past Shabbos is called Shabbos Zachor – the Shabbos of Remembrance – when we are commanded to remember the nefarious nation of Amalek and their implacable hatred of our people. Our Sages tell us that even though they knew that they themselves would be harmed if they attacked the newly liberated Jewish nation, they nonetheless went ahead with their cowardly attack. Why? Because their hatred of our people was totally irrational and they became enslaved to this irrational feeling – even to their own demise. Sound at all familiar? When we focus on our faith in the Almighty and His providence, we will overcome our fears, like the Jews of ancient Persia. They responded to the threats and intimidation by ‘doubling down’ on their commitment to the Creator and His Holy Torah! Instead of cowering, we will respond with renewed vigor as we fulfill the Torah and its commandments with joy and alacrity. It is my opinion that we are witnessing truly historic events unfold before our very eyes. Former enemies are allying themselves with us as the modern Amalek is being eradicated not only by our people, but by the nations of the world. With that being said, we fervently pray for the wellbeing of our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, the brave soldiers of the IDF, and of course the incredible armed forces of the USA. Let’s do our part by enhancing our Jewish pride and wearing it ‘on our sleeves.’ Add in the Mitzvos that you do. More Torah learning. More prayer. More Tzedakah. And more Simcha – joy! In conclusion I wish to share a brief story that happened this past Shabbos. Following services as the people were heading home a middle-aged couple came in looking for the Rabbi (me). I welcomed them and they said something extraordinary. They stated that they are Iranian-Americans, and that they wanted to come into the shul to, “Thank G-d’s people, the Jewish people, for what Israel is doing right now in eradicating the evil regime and giving the Iranian people their country back.” As they expressed themselves, they were trembling, they were both, husband and wife, on the verge of tears. I expressed appreciation for their appreciation and shared a blessing. “We should be blessed with true peace between our peoples, and indeed all the people of the world!” May our righteous Moshiach come speedily in our day!
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Morton Klein, Zionist Organization of America: We are profoundly grateful to President Trump for the courageous, necessary joint U.S.-Israeli operation against Iran’s terror regime and its monstrous terrorist leadership; this was a historic strike for freedom and security and has already successfully removed Iran’s terrorist fanatic Ayatollah Khamenei from the equation. For decades, this regime has been the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism: murdering Americans, arming Hamas and Hezbollah, chanting ‘Death to America,’ and relentlessly pursuing nuclear weapons aimed at the free world. Let’s be clear: even if Israel didn’t exist, the United States would have had to act to defend itself from a regime openly at war with America, responsible for American blood from Beirut to 9/11 and beyond, actively expanding and willing to use its stockpile of ballistic missiles and suicide drones against civilians it designates as enemies and pursuing – and likely willing to use – nuclear weapons against those same targets. Too many American administrations have appeased and funded these terrorist fanatics while they plotted against U.S. officials and oppressed their own people. The joint U.S.-Israeli operation action was about protecting American lives, stopping nuclear annihilation, and standing with the millions of Iranians (including the families of those 32,000 martyrs killed by the regime in the last few weeks) who despise this tyranny. History will record that when the moment came, President Trump chose strength over surrender, and that decision may finally change the course of the Middle East and the ZOA could not be prouder to be the only major Jewish organization to publicly honor President Trump, with our Theodore Herzl Award.”
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Rafael Medoff, historian: In 2011, the Islamist dictatorship in Libya was sponsoring international terrorism, trying to develop a nuclear weapon, and slaughtering its critics. In 2026, the Islamist dictatorship in Iran has been sponsoring international terrorism, trying to develop a nuclear weapon, and slaughtering its critics. Here’s what Senator Bernie Sanders said in response to President Barack Obama’s bombing of Libya in 2011: “I support the president’s efforts to work with the international community to prevent a massacre.” And here’s what Sen. Sanders said yesterday in response to President Donald Trump’s bombing of Iran: “The president’s action is unconstitutional and violates international law.” The editors of the New York Times wrote in 2011 that “even the most scrupulous citizen can only approve and applaud the American attacks on Libya.” Yesterday, the editors of the Times called the bombing of Iran “reckless.” Granted, the two situations are not identical, since Iran is much more dangerous than Libya was. And Sen. Sanders was not as passionate a supporter of President Obama’s military action as were some other U.S. senators. Still, the difference between then and now is striking. When it comes to bombing evil dictators, it seems that for some people, what matters most is which party happens to control the White House.
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.