In support of Israel: Joint Statement 7/18/2014 from Iowans Supporting Israel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE     July 18, 2014

 

Joint statement from:  Iowans Supporting 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 and command centers. 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. 

 

Hamas responded to two ceasefire efforts—which Israel agreed to—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 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.

 

Michael Schreurs       Stuart Oxer, Executive Director

Matt Strawn               Jewish Federation of Greater Des Moines

Ed Skinner                  Contact: (515) 987-0899 ext. 231   jcrc@dmjfed.org

Bud Hockenberg

                        

Iowans Supporting Israel 

Contact: Michael Schreurs, (515)453-2002          

http://iowanssupportingisrael.com/