New York, NY, November 15, 2012 In response to Israel's military efforts to stop the barrage of rockets fired from Gaza, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
"We have long made clear our distress at the barrage of rocket fire from Gaza targeting Israelis, and just a few weeks ago called on the international community to pressure Hamas to bring an end to the attacks. Instead, the rocket fire from Gaza has increased, necessitating Israeli military action. We are, as ever, greatly saddened by the loss of innocent lives Israeli or Palestinian and hope that the military operation can be completed with speed and in a way that minimizes the loss of life. We in the Reform Movement continue to pray and advocate for the safety of Israelis who have for too long been the targets of violent and unremitting rocket attacks."