New York City—On July 15, an Egyptian-brokered cease fire was accepted by the Israeli government. Moments later, the proposed truce was rejected by the terrorist organization Hamas, which proceeded to launch rockets into Israel and resume its offense against the Israeli people. Hamas spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri termed the proposal “not acceptable.” Its military wing, Izzedine al-Qassam, rejected the offer out of hand, calling it “not worth the ink it was written with.”
Hostilities continue. Hamas launched more rockets at Israeli cities; Israel responded with pinpoint missile attacks and Israeli troops remain massed at the Gaza border. At press time, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry declined to travel to the Middle East to convince either side to stop.
In light of the ongoing hostilities, on Monday, in New York City, there was a strong show of support for Israel’s right to defend her people. Congressional and community leaders, Jewish and Christian, people of color and all ethnic persuasions, gathered on the steps of City Hall to stand up for Israel and speak out on her behalf.
Organized by the Jewish Community Relations Board-New York (JCRC-NY), headed by Bergen County resident Rabbi Michael Miller, political and community leaders came to express support for Israel and its right to defend itself against the rain of rockets fired by Hamas from within the Gaza Strip and additional terrorist activities. Eric Goldstein, Chief Executive Officer of the UJA/FedNY, said UJA’s work to “address and meet the needs of those under attack re-affirms the unshakable bond shared by Jews the world over.” He stressed that the conflict is “not about territory,” saying “Hamas is not interested in a Palestinian State or a better future for Palestinian people.”
Amb. Ido Aharoni, Consul General of Israel in New York, rhetorically addressed his comments to the Palestinian people, asking “What is it that Hamas is offering you and your child? They are promoting Islamic rule and a desire to drag us to the Dark Ages.”
With 70% of Israel’s population at risk, Aharoni said, “No country should tolerate such aggression.” He expressed great gratitude to the United States for its support of the Iron Dome Missile Defense System and for America’s support of “Israel’s right to defend itself against any enemy.”
Anti-Israel demonstrators lined the fence outside City Hall Plaza. Responding to the shouts from pro-Palestinian protestors, Aharoni said “The protest should be against Hamas. You cannot negotiate for peace if you cannot control your negotiating partners.” He queried, “How can anybody of any intelligence negotiate for peace with someone who says I should be dead? How dead? How dead do they want me?”
Dean of the New York Congressional delegation, Charlie Rangel, a strong friend of Israel, offered full support of Israel’s right to defend itself and protect its people against the onslaught of missiles shot by Hamas. Rep. Elliot Engel, ranking member of the Congressional Committee on Foreign Affairs, said, “Support for Israel in the United States’ Congress is strong, bi-partisan…unbreakable….Hamas cares about the culture of death.” He cautioned that the Palestinians must recognize “Israel as a Jewish State” and “the right of the Jewish people to exist in their own nation.”
Rep. Nita Lowey, ranking member of the House Committee on Appropriations, assured “firm support of Israel, the only democracy in the region” and stressed the importance of the alliance between Israel and the US. “How much better it would it be if there were real peace and an opportunity to share knowledge?” she posed.
State and local political leaders, led by New York State Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver, also expressed “unwavering support” for Israel’s right to defend itself.
By Maxine Dovere
