Today, the leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, rejected recent comments made by Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. Bernie Sanders about Israel.

In several public statements over the weekend, Sen. Sanders expressed his view that the United States must pursue a “more balanced approach” between the Israelis and the Palestinians and that he believes that Israel’s war of self-defense against Hamas in 2014 was “disproportionate.”

The leadership of the Orthodox Union stated:

“The Orthodox Union rejects Sen. Sanders’ assertion that Israel acted in a “disproportionate” manner in responding to Hamas terrorist actions; frankly, we are offended by Sen. Sanders’ suggestion. In 2014, Israel was attacked by Hamas, which fired more than 4,500 rockets and mortars from Gaza at Israel. These rockets were intended to murder and maim innocent Israelis.

“Moreover, Israeli forces discovered and destroyed 34 tunnels terrorist groups had created to kidnap Israeli soldiers, invade Israeli civilian communities and wreak havoc. And, Hamas engaged in a documented practice of placing its terrorist personnel and materiel within schools, mosques and other civilian areas. In the face of all this, Israel’s response and tactics were anything but disproportionate or indiscriminate. Indeed, we take pride in the extraordinary efforts the Israel Defense Forces undertake – often yielding risks to its own soldiers – to avoid collateral civilian casualties.”

The Orthodox Union is a non-partisan organization, and does not endorse or oppose candidates for elective office.