Revised: Statement in Support of Israel from Iowans Supporting Israel, Christians United For Israel, and Jewish Federation , July 21, 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Revised:  July 21, 2014   

Contact: Mark S. Finkelstein,  jcrc@dmjfed.org

 

Joint statement from:  Iowans Supporting Israel, Christians United For Israel, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

 

In support of Israel as it battles terrorism

 

Hamas, which has been declared a terrorist organization by the American government, the E.U., and others, has significantly increased its assault on Israeli citizens by launching over 1000 rockets over the last several weeks. The situation is intolerable. Civilians living closest to Gaza have only 15 seconds to find safety when warning sirens are engaged. Rockets have rained down on the holy city of Jerusalem, the economic center of Tel Aviv, and all the way to Eilat, the country’s southern tip. 

 

Israel must and currently is protecting its citizens by seeking and destroying rocket arsenals, command centers, and tunnels through which killers have recently infiltrated from Gaza into Israel. Unfortunately, and insidiously, Hamas has often located these targets in or near residential neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and mosques. To make matters worse, Hamas is encouraging and celebrating civilians who serve as shields, a practice forbidden by international law. 

 

Make no mistake. We, the undersigned, profoundly mourn the loss of innocent life on both sides of this painful conflict and pray that peace can be restored soon. But peace requires that Israel be joined by a partner.  Israel agreed to the ceasefire proposal put forth by Egypt.  To date, Hamas has not.  In fact, Hamas responded to ceasefire efforts observed by Israel by firing more rockets.

 

 

In this trying time, it is comforting that Israel has the support of the American people, as affirmed by a recent poll, as well as President Obama and Congress.

 

President Obama has stated: “I will say very clearly, no country can accept rocket fired indiscriminately at citizens. And so, we’ve been very clear that Israel has the right to defend itself against what I consider to be inexcusable attacks from Hamas.”

 

Bipartisan resolutions have been passed unanimously by both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives reflecting “United States support for the State of Israel as it defends itself against unprovoked rocket attacks from the Hamas terrorist organization.”

 

We, the bipartisan leadership of Iowans Supporting Israel, the nonpartisan grassroots organization Christians United For Israel, and the nonpartisan Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines, are thankful for these stated positions and urge all people of good will to stand with Israel as it battles terrorism.

 

[Signatories, below.]

 

 

Michael Schreurs

Matt Strawn

Ed Skinner

Bud Hockenberg

                                        

Iowans Supporting Israel     http://iowanssupportingisrael.com/

Contact: Michael Schreurs, (515)453-2002    

 

Thomas W. McGovern

Iowa State Director

Christians United For Israel     

 Contact: IowaCUFI@cleavelandinsurance.com

 

 

Stuart Oxer

Executive Director

Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines     Contact: jcrc@dmjfed.org

 

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