The American Zionist Movement stands in solidarity with the people of Israel. Across our diverse coalition of 43 member organizations we are uniformly horrified by the scope and brutality of the unprecedented attack by Hamas. This is a tragedy of incomprehensible proportion for Israel and the Jewish People.
We mourn the hundreds killed and grieve with their families. We pray for the speedy and full recovery of the thousands wounded. We are aghast at the many hostages captured and taken to Gaza and plead for their immediate release and return to their families.
AZM is grateful for the broad bipartisan support for Israel by the US Government during this wave of terror and calls on our country, the staunchest ally of Israel since 1948, to provide all the aid and time needed by Israel for its defense and for action needed to secure the safety of its citizens.
AZM notes with deep sadness that one of the first victims of yesterday’s attack was Ofir Libstein, Z”L, Mayor of the Sha`ar Hanegev Regional Council. AZM and the World Zionist Organization worked with Mayor Libstein during the May 2021 “Guardians of the Wall” operation to provide respite for families and children in the southern border towns after a wave of rocket attacks from Gaza. Yehi Zichro Baruch. May his memory be for a blessing.
