Corrected version and appended request from JCRC:

A Message from the President of the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

Israeli ground troops are now operating inside Gaza in the next phase of Israel's campaign to defend its citizens in the southern part of the country from ongoing rocket attacks by the terrorist organization Hamas. Hamas' actions in breaking the cease-fire agreement and intensifying its rocket barrage are consistent with its stated mission of eliminating the Jewish state of Israel.

Israel has the right and the obligation to protect its citizens. The current US administration, President-Elect Obama and the international community support that right.

Israel is doing all that it can to minimize civilian casualties, including calling Palestinians in advance of airstrikes. Unfortunately, Hamas intentionally places its installations and launching pads in residential areas, and stores illegally-obtained weaponry from Iran in homes, schools, hospitals and mosques. Thus, some civilian casualties are inevitable. The responsibility for the safety of Palestinian civilians lies squarely with Hamas, which has callously chosen to place civilians in harm's way.

Please join me in praying for the safety of the Israel Defense Forces, its pilots, tank commanders and ground troops who are on the front lines, ensuring Israel's survival. Please also join me in praying for peace for Israelis, and for the innocent Palestinians who are the victims of their leaders' misguided fanaticism.

Am Yisroel Chai! The people of Israel live!

Neil Salowitz
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JCRC would encourage you to forward the above message from the President of the Jewish Federation to members of the general community, to discuss the message's content with friends and colleagues, and to consider writing letters to your local newspapers in support of Israel's defense against terrorism.