Israel Update #2 ∙ October 7, 2023

October 7, 2023

Media Contact

Igor Alterman

JFGD President & CEO

Dear Marketing,

We are writing this update to provide additional information and ways to support people and the State of Israel at this difficult moment.

On October 7, 2023, during the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented attack on Israel from Gaza, firing thousands of rockets, breaching the country’s borders, killing dozens of Israelis, and wounding hundreds more. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war to defend itself and gave the order for the IDF to commence "Operation Swords of Iron.”

Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas (JFGD) stands in total and complete solidarity with Israel, which has every right to defend itself and protect its citizens.

LEARN MORE

Join us tomorrow, Sunday, October 8, at 11:00 am CT for a high-level briefing open to all community members. We anticipate hearing directly from the IDF, JAFI, and Federation leadership. Register for this webinar here.

URGE ELECTED OFFICIALS TO SUPPORT ISRAEL

Jewish Federations have launched a wide-ranging action alert to engage elected officials at every level of government to stand in solidarity with Israel and her right to defend herself. Communities can act by clicking here and sharing the link widely.

SUPPORT NOW

With the news of the hundreds of people wounded, we know that Israel Trauma Center needs help. Therefore, in close contact with our partners on the ground, the Jewish Agency for Israel, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, and the Israel Trauma Coalition, as they prepare to provide critical care and support to those affected, we have opened an emergency fund to support these efforts.

The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation (DJCF) is prepared to facilitate your grants in support of Israel. The Israel Trauma Center can be supported from your DJCF Donor Advised Fund by logging into the My DJCF portal or by emailing grants@djcf.org.

RAISE AWARENESS

Use these social media assets to raise awareness about your solidarity with Israel.

STATEMENTS

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

"Since this morning, the State of Israel has been at war. Our first objective is to clear out the hostile forces that infiltrated our territory and restore the security and quiet to the communities that have been attacked. The second objective, at the same time, is to exact an immense price from the enemy, within the Gaza Strip as well. The third objective is to reinforce other fronts so that nobody should mistakenly join this war. We are at war. In war, one needs to be level-headed. I call on all citizens of Israel to unite in order to achieve our highest goal – victory in the war."

President Issac Herzog

"Now is the time to stand firm with Israel in support of its just and moral battle in the face of an abhorrent enemy."

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant

"The Hamas terrorist organization made a grave mistake this morning and launched a war against the State of Israel. IDF troops are fighting the enemy at every location. I call on all of Israel’s citizens to follow security instructions. The State of Israel will win this war."

President Joe Biden

Today, I spoke with @IsraeliPM about the appalling Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel. I offered our support and reiterated my unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. @FLOTUS and I express our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.

Statement from Jewish Members of the House of Representatives Condemning Terrorist Attacks in Israel

Reps. Nadler, Schneider, Schakowsky, Raskin, Auchincloss, Balint, Bonamici, Cohen, Frankel, Goldman, Hottheimer, Jacobs, Landsman, Lien, Magaziner, Manning, Moskowitz, Phillips, Schiff, Schrier, Sherman, Slotkin, Wasserman-Schultz, and Wild

Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas

Read the JFGD statement from the morning of October 7 here.

We are monitoring our Regional elected officials twitter accounts for messages of support. Please share to your social media networks as well. Please note: This may not be a comprehensive list.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson ∙ Today, on a holy day of the Jewish calendar, Israel woke up to a brutal and unprecedented attack from Hamas, killing and wounding hundreds of civilians. The City of Dallas strongly condemns this act of terrorism, and we stand in solidarity with the State and People of Israel.
Marc Veasey ∙ I wholeheartedly condemn the violent and hate-filled attacks carried out by Hamas terrorists. I am praying for the victims and their families. The United States will continue to strongly stand with our Israeli allies.
Jasmine Crockett ∙ Last night, an unprecedented attack by Hamas into Israel stole the lives of dozens of civilians. What should be a joyous day for Israelis and Jews—Simchat Torah—has now been marked by a deadly surprise attack. I stand and pray for our ally.
Beth Van Duyne ∙ The United States stands with Israel (Note: Most of her tweets have been reposts of support from other accounts.)
Ronny Jackson ∙ Israel is under attack from Hamas terrorists and Iranian military proxies. Israel WILL defend itself at all costs, and I stand with our greatest ally as they defend their citizens in this unprovoked act of war!
Colin Allred ∙ I was shocked to wake up to the news of the unprovoked Hamas terrorist attacks against innocent Israeli civilians. I condemn these attacks in the strongest terms possible, and stand firmly in support of Israel, the Israeli people, and Israel’s right to defend itself.
Pete Sessions ∙ I stand with Israel as they defend their sovereign territory from terrorist attacks by Hamas. The US must remain resolute & united with our greatest ally in the Middle East. Israel has an absolute right to defend its people. We are praying for peace & security for our friends.
Michael Burgess ∙ We grieve with Israel, and stand with them as they fight to defeat radical jihadists
Stephanie Bice ∙ While many Jews were headed out to celebrate Shabbat and the festival of Simchat Torah, Hamas launched an orchestrated attack against the State of Israel. I strongly condemn these attacks carried out by Hamas on Israeli soldiers & its people. Please pray for the people of Israel.
Sen. James Lankford ∙ The US should stand strong with our ally Israel as they defend themselves after a full scale terrorist attack and multiple kidnappings from Gaza. I am praying for peace & safety for our friends.
Sen. Markwayne Mullin ∙ The United States stands with Israel—our closest ally in the Middle East. I join my colleagues in wholeheartedly condemning this brutal terrorist attack by Iran-backed Hamas militants. Israel has every right to defend itself from this unjust war.
Kay Granger ∙ I am horrified by the images coming out of Israel this morning. I strongly condemn these attacks, and stand with our valued ally, Israel.
Rep. August Pfluger ∙ Israel is our strongest partner in the Middle East, and recent Member comments denigrating Israel are unacceptable and disgusting. My resolution lets every American know exactly where their Representatives stand when it comes to supporting Israel and our Jewish communities.