July 22, 2014
The Honorable Barack Obama
The President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We commend your important statements in support Israel’s right to defend itself at this time of great anxiety and danger for the people of Israel in the face of ongoing rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza.
We share your concern about the tragic loss of life, injuries and destruction in Gaza, and note that so long as Hamas is permitted to accumulate rockets and missiles and retain its ability to terrorize the civilian population of Israel, while at the same time wantonly putting its own people in the line of Israel’s defense of its sovereignty, there is little prospect that the lives of the people of Gaza will improve.
Your comments in support of Israel are consistent with your oft-stated concern for the well-being of Israel and her people, who have been targeted by over 1700 missiles and rockets from Gaza in the last 2 weeks alone.
As Israel’s closest friend and ally, your clear and unwavering support is especially welcome and appreciated when so many others are subjecting Israel to unfair and harsh criticism, and Jews around the world are being vilified with blatantly anti-Semitic rhetoric at rallies and protests against the defensive actions taken by Israel. Unless Hamas and other terrorists in Gaza give up their rockets and missiles, and are prevented from acquiring or manufacturing more, it is unlikely that a ceasefire will bring sustained calm to the people of Israel and Gaza.
Sincerely,
Abraham H. Foxman
National Director