JCRC-NY condemns Iranian missile strikes, urges global support for Israel amid conflict

The Jewish Community Relations Council of New York (JCRC-NY) has issued a stern condemnation of Iran’s latest ballistic missile assault on Israel. The Iranian regime launched over 180 ballistic missiles targeting civilian areas across Israel, marking a dangerous escalation in the region.

The strikes reached Central Israel, jeopardizing the lives of countless civilians, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Palestinians.

“This attack endangers all people in the region—Jews, Muslims, Christians, Israelis, and Palestinians alike—demonstrating a severe disregard for human life,” stated the JCRC-NY, emphasizing the indiscriminate nature of the assault.

Adding to the gravity of the situation, missiles were sighted over Jerusalem, home to sacred sites revered by many faiths. The attack has already claimed casualties, with a Palestinian in the West Bank tragically killed by shrapnel. The far-reaching devastation highlights the deadly toll of these aggressions, which further strain the already fragile state of regional security.

This attack is the second of its kind in less than a year, following the April missile and drone strikes by Iran on Israeli soil. Simultaneously, a separate terrorist shooting in Tel Aviv has claimed at least six lives, intensifying fears of rising violence across Israel’s most populous areas.

The JCRC-NY drew a connection between today’s strikes and the broader context of conflict involving Iran’s proxies. On October 7, 2023, Hamas, one of Iran’s backed groups, launched an attack that caused what is described as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, displacing tens of thousands of Israelis. Now, with Iran’s direct involvement in missile assaults, JCRC-NY warns of the growing threat not only to Israel but also to global stability.

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As international attention focuses on the escalating crisis, the JCRC-NY called on elected officials to deliver unwavering support for Israel. The organization expressed gratitude to the Biden-Harris administration for promptly engaging U.S. military forces in defense of Israel, a move seen as reinforcing the U.S.-Israel alliance.

“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration for ordering the U.S. military to actively and swiftly engage in the defense of Israel,” stated JCRC-NY, commending the response as “crucial” to the defense effort.

New York leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams, and the NYPD, were also thanked for their vigilance in ensuring the security of Jewish communities across New York during this sensitive period. The JCRC-NY assured local residents that while there is no credible threat to New York’s Jewish community at present, vigilance remains critical.

As the Jewish High Holidays begin, the JCRC-NY emphasized solidarity with the global Jewish community and reiterated its commitment to monitoring the situation closely.

JCRC-NY concluded, “We stand ready to support our community and partners as we navigate this challenging period together, in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.”