FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Board of Directors of the Orthodox Union has unanimously adopted this resolution.

Statement of the Board of Directors of the Orthodox Union:

WHEREAS, the Orthodox Union watches with horror the recent terrorist onslaughts against the State of Israel, with rocket and mortar fire into Sderot, and now Ashkelon. Nearly 200 rockets have fallen in the last few days alone, and since Hamas took over Gaza in an armed coup in June 2007, 1,018 rockets and 937 mortars have been launched, making Sderot and the Western Negev the front line against Arab terrorism; innocent civilians, including men, women and children face constant, unprovoked attacks, as terrorists indiscriminately target homes, schools, kindergartens and houses of worship; and the Orthodox Union is deeply concerned by the physical and psychological trauma and injuries endured and we mourn the death of innocents.

WHEREAS, Hamas is a vicious terrorist organization, committed to the destruction of the State of Israel. Hamas continues to indoctrinate children with hate in school textbooks and children’s television programs; it refuses to recognize Israel’s right to exist and continues to arm, train and fund terrorists; it remains a proxy of Iran and continues, most awfully, to hold IDF Corporal Gilad Shalit hostage, in violation of all basic rules of war and human decency.

WHEREAS, Israel has the sovereign right of self defense and the moral duty to protect innocent civilians from terror attack. Israel has done so admirably, with great restraint and making efforts to minimize civilian casualties on the Palestinian side while targeting terror masterminds and leaders in targeted strikes; yet, the international community, including the United Nations, the Arab League and the European Union, in whole or through member states, has criticized Israel’s responses, and equated Israel’s reaction and self defense with Hamas led terrorist attacks.

THEREFORE, the Orthodox Union states its strongest support for Israel’s right to defend itself against the terrorist campaign and to defend Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish State in the historic homeland of the Jewish People and

RESOLVES

To support the brave people of Israel, notably those in Sderot, Ashkelon and the Western Negev;

To support the Israel Defense Forces and security personnel who risk their lives to defend innocent life;

To call upon the international community to support Israel in its fight for survival against Hamas and Arab-Islamic terrorism.

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