As the leaders of the largest Jewish diaspora communities, we say in a single voice: We stand with Israel as it defends itself against the war launched by the Iranianbacked terrorist organization Hamas. The targeting, murder and kidnapping of Israeli civilians by Palestinian terrorists, and firing of thousands of rockets into Israeli cities and towns, are clear war crimes that must be universally denounced, just as Israel’s right to defend itself must be universally supported.
We thank the many governments that have made such statements, and call on responsible members of the international community to take concrete actions both in support of Israel and against those who support the Palestinian terrorists. We call on the international community to immediately demand that Hamas release all hostages, and urge world bodies such as the United Nations to act without delay to ensure that Israeli hostages are safely returned to their families. We extend our condolences to those in Israel whose family members have been murdered and wish a speedy recovery to all the wounded.
The J7, the Large Communities’ Task Force Against Antisemitism, was formed in response to increasing rates of antisemitism around the world and comprises major Jewish organizations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Argentina and Australia.
Berlin, 8. Oktober 2023 / 25 Tischri 5784
