Mar 23, 2011
A Statement from the Greater Miami Jewish Federation on the August 18 Terrorist Attacks in Israel
Israeli soldiers carry an injured person on a stretcher at the Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva following a terrorist attack near the Egyptian border, Aug. 18, 2011. (Shay Levy/Flash 90)
A series of coordinated terrorist attacks struck Israel's southern region on Thursday, August 18. These attacks were carried out by well-armed terrorists believed to have infiltrated from the Gaza Strip. Subsequent terror attacks continued throughout the day, followed by more than 100 missiles from Gaza. As of Monday, nine Israelis have been killed, some 40 have been wounded, and countless others have suffered from shock.
These acts of terrorism remind us starkly that Israel lives with the constant threat of violence on multiple fronts. While we are deeply proud of the resolve of the Israeli people, today’s tragedy reinforces the need to remain stalwart in our support of Israel. We feel this as Jews, as Americans and as people who value democratic ideals and respect the sanctity of life. Today’s attacks once again demonstrate the importance and difficulty of continuing to move on the path to a just and lasting peace, providing safety and security to all people in the Middle East.
This is a sad time for the people of Israel and for peace-loving people worldwide. We join all people of goodwill in praying for a full recovery for those injured in these attacks and offer our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
In the most absolute terms, we call for an end to the violence and the environment of incitement that encourages such reprehensible acts of terror.
Barbara Black Goldfarb, Chair of the Board
Jacob Solomon, President and CEO
