Compiled by Donald H. Harrison in San Diego
Following are statements and analyses submitted to San Diego Jewish World by recognizable Jewish individuals and institutions about the Middle East war:
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American Friends of Tel Aviv University, Ben Pery, CEO: This past week we witnessed Israel and the United States stand together in defense of freedom and democracy, and in solidarity with the Iranian people who continue to suffer under a brutal regime. The joint operation, known as Roaring Lion or Epic Fury, depending on which name you choose, gives me hope that the region is moving towards greater stability and deeper cooperation with Israel. As I write, additional nations have joined the U.S. and Israel after being targeted by Iranian missiles. The fact that this operation unfolded during Purim is a powerful reminder of a familiar story and a modern-day take on Purim: the threat of annihilation of the Jewish people (from Iran) is met with courage, unity, and resolve. Since last Sunday, Tel Aviv University (TAU) has been operating in “emergency mode,” with most staff working from home. Fortunately, the University is between semesters, so fewer students are on campus. Nearly every call with colleagues has been interrupted by alerts and missile strikes. Thankfully, the Iron Dome, developed by TAU alum Brigadier General Danny Gold, along with other missile defense systems, have saved countless lives.
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Combat Antisemitism Movement: The ARC (Antisemitism Research Center) recorded a 34% increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide this week. Of the 154 incidents tallied by the ARC, 73 – nearly 50% – were motivated by the Iran war, involving perpetrators driven to act by support of the regime or conspiratorial hatred of Jews and Israel. Examples included:
- Far-right media personality Candace Owens accused Israel of orchestrating “false flag” attacks to drag the United States into war with Iran, while Tucker Carlson blamed the Chabad movement.
- In Washington, D.C., a graphic public display depicted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump eating the organs of children.
- Several New York City-based far-left groups released a statement praising Iran’s attacks against “Zionist forces and settlers.”
- Demonstrators in London, England, flew flags of the Islamic Republic and chanted “Burn, burn Tel Aviv.”
- A gunman wearing clothing displaying the words “Property of Allah” and an Iranian flag design opened fire at a bar in Austin, Texas, killing three people. The suspect, who was shot dead at the scene by police, had a history of antisemitic social media posts.
- United Kingdom: An anti-Israel activist defaced a statue of Winston Churchill in London’s Parliament Square with graffiti reading, “Globalize the Intifada” and “Zionist war criminal.”
- Canada: Gunfire struck a Temple Emanu-El in Toronto’s North York district shortly after a Purim celebration concluded.
- France: A pig’s head and a poster with a Star of David and antisemitic slur drawn on it were left outside the home of Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi, whose wife is Jewish.
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Jewish Democratic Council of America, Halie Soifer, CEO: This week’s Iran war powers vote in Congress was not simply political gamesmanship, despite falling largely along partisan lines.
Democrats supported the war powers resolution because they’re demanding a clear strategy for turning our short-term tactical wins into long-term strategic success in Iran. One can support these tactical gains – including the decapitation of the Iranian regime and military and reducing the Iranian threat to Israel – while also being concerned that President Trump lacks a clear strategy and objectives in the war. The White House has repeatedly vacillated in justifying the war, and Republicans’ effort this week to blame Israel for the war was reckless and dangerous. It’s because of our concern about America’s national security interests and Israel’s security that we’re demanding the White House present a clear strategy for ongoing military operations in Iran. …
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StandWithUs: … The U.S. and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran’s regime, ballistic missile systems, nuclear facilities, and navy. Both U.S. and Israeli leaders have also encouraged Iranians to rise up and topple their regime, which brutally murdered thousands of its own citizens in recent months. Iran’s ballistic missile attacks against Israeli civilians, U.S. personnel, and Arab states have only underscored the urgent need to address this threat. We are grateful to American and Israeli soldiers for risking their lives. We stand with Israelis who are spending days and nights in bomb shelters and suffering tragic losses. We salute the brave Iranians who are confronting their own government in this dangerous moment. We hope this operation will end the severe threats posed by Iran’s regime, help free the Iranian people, and lead to a better future for the Middle East.
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World Jewish Congress: The WJC expressed its solidarity with the Gulf countries directly impacted by the Iranian missile barrages, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. In a letter to Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder conveyed his “deep respect for the unity, restraint, and coordination shown by GCC member states,” noting that Iran’s attacks demonstrate that “this danger is not directed at one nation alone, but at the stability of the entire region.” Read the Full Letter Here…
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Donald H. Harrison is publisher and editor of San Diego Jewish World.