Jewish communities in the Diaspora have been keenly observing events in Israel with profound concern since the inception of the deadly Hamas attack. Many have been vigilantly following the conflict since Saturday morning, leading some to cancel holiday and Sabbath gatherings.
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Eric Fingerhut, president and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America, has been closely monitoring the events as they unfolded. Although his initial arrival in Israel was for a happy occasion, he unexpectedly found himself engulfed in a vastly different situation. Fingerhut asserts that Jewish communities in North America are staunchly supporting Israel in every conceivable way, mobilizing all available resources for the nation's benefit.
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The Sderot police station lies in ruins after battle against Palestinian terrorists
(Photo: JACK GUEZ / AFP)
He emphasized that their focus is on two main initiatives: firstly, fundraising to address Israel’s needs, which encompasses assisting victims and aiding Israelis in the United States who need help returning home or reconnecting with their families. Secondly, they are exerting substantial efforts and conducting numerous dialogues to ensure that Israel receives the necessary political support to defend itself.
"We are mobilizing to ensure Israel receives political support," said Fingerhut. "This extends beyond Washington to every individual community, ensuring that community leadership - mayors, governors, business and civic leaders, as well as other religious leaders - understand the situation here and recognize what Israel needs to do to defend itself."
Do you feel that the community in New York is similar, that despite the political differences everybody is now behind one cause, to help Israel?
"Yes, completely. And again, I stress there are 146 federations. It's not just New York. I believe this is a moment of unity for the Jewish community, we're unified in support of Israel, there are no political differences."
While Fingerhut initially traveled to Israel for different reasons, the onset of the war shifted his plans. "My original intent was to return to the States on Tuesday. Now, I'm taking things minute by minute, determining whether my presence here is more beneficial for organizing support or if there's a need for me to return."
He concluded, "To our brothers and sisters in Israel, we stand united and in solidarity. Israelis should know that they have the unwavering, complete support of Jews worldwide."
France: Increased security in Jewish institutions
In France, where substantial Jewish and Muslim communities reside, Jewish groups have voiced concerns about the events in Israel potentially affecting their local relationships. Consequently, security measures around synagogues and Jewish institutions are being enhanced.
The French interior minister has mandated this heightened security in major cities, including Paris and Marseille. Historically, during previous conflicts in Israel, there have been demonstrations and confrontations between the Jewish community and pro-Palestinian Muslim protesters.
In an interview with Radio Europe 1, a young Jewish man expressed his deep concern. "We are deeply worried, and during the Sabbath, we tirelessly worked to maintain contact with our families in Israel. I'm certain the situation will invariably impact France, and I sincerely hope that authorities will implement the necessary measures to ensure the security of our institutions and synagogues."
The American-Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) expressed support for Israel in a statement on their website, stating, "Backed by Iran, Hamas launched an unprovoked invasion and large-scale attack on Israel... We have an essential role to play as Israel embarks on a major operation to protect its families and future. Urge your members of Congress to continue speaking out and standing with our ally as it acts to defeat the terrorist threat."
Numerous organizations and high-profile political figures in the United States, including the Anti-Defamation League, J Street and notable figures such as Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, Nikki Haley and Jewish Senator Bernie Sanders, have issued statements of support.
Additionally, the American Jewish Congress has communicated a plea for the international community to unite in solidarity against the attack and terrorism. The vital necessity of acknowledging the threat to Israeli citizens and providing support for their security and peace endeavors was also underscored.
Biden sends out warning to Hezbollah
While some are concerned that Hezbollah might capitalize on this traumatic moment to open another front on Israel's northern border, U.S. President Joe Biden has sent a stern warning to the Lebanese terrorist group.
"The United States warns against any other party hostile to Israel seeking advantage in this situation. My administration’s support for Israel’s security is rock solid and unwavering," he said.
Former President Donald Trump said, "These Hamas attacks are a disgrace and Israel has every right to defend itself with overwhelming force," while blaming the attack on Biden's Middle East policy.
Tech mogul Elon Musk said on his X social network: "Sorry to see what’s happening in Israel. I hope there can be peace one day."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on X, "Today, the entire world saw horrifying videos from Israel. Terrorists humiliate women and men, detain even the elderly, and show no mercy. In the face of such a terrorist strike, everyone who values life must stand in solidarity. We in Ukraine have a special feeling about what has happened. Thousands of rockets in the Israeli sky... People killed just on the streets... Civilian cars shot through... Detainees being humiliated…
"Our position is crystal clear: anyone who causes terror and death anywhere on the planet must be held accountable. Today’s terrorist attack on Israel was well-planned, and the entire world knows which sponsors of terrorism could have endorsed and enabled its organization. Israel has the full right to defend itself against terror. As any other state. And it’s critical that the whole world responds to terror in a unified and principled manner."
'I stand with Israel – you should too'
Numerous celebrities have voiced their support for Israel amid the brutality from Hamas, notably Israeli Hollywood star Gal Gadot, who has publicly declared her allegiance with Israel and encouraged others to follow suit.
Meanwhile, in response to a pro-Palestinian protest in New York City, advocates for Israel took to the streets in several Manhattan locations. Dozens of Jews and Israelis, many of them students, assembled to express their support. Organizers of the pro-Israel demonstration declared, "We cannot remain silent in the face of inhumane acts of cruelty directed at Jews in their own homes. Jewish blood is not cheap, and we will not rest until we achieve justice."
Neti Zreiman, a student from NYU, said that her protest and that of her peers was spontaneous. "We wanted to support people in Israel; it's crucial to show that we are united, and even though we are far away - Israel is not alone. I have family and friends there, and these are very challenging days. We must confront [these challenges] as one community and do as much as possible."
Zreiman said that the large pro-Palestinian protest that took place just a few blocks away was “like rubbing salt in the wounds. Why choose to do it specifically in a square named after Golda Meir? It's hard for me to say they don't have the right because ultimately I also go and protest and everyone has the right to do what they want, but I can't understand the insensitivity."
On Sunday evening, pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators reportedly clashed in Times Square. The Daily Mail reported that there were scuffles between the two sides, and that a pro-Palestinian demonstrator waved a picture of a Swastika cross toward those expressing support for Israel.
One of the demonstrators who attended the rally in support of Israel in New York City said told Reuters, "I am here at a tragic time in the history of the State of Israel and the Jewish people, to show my support and say that they are not alone. The world is with them, not just the Jews."
Meanwhile, violent clashes erupted in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, between pro-Israel demonstrators and and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Responding to the scene, police forces used pepper spray to break up the protesters and blocked the access road to the city, which is considered a Jewish stronghold. Police reported that one pro-Israel demonstrator was arrested and taken in for questioning.
At Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, approximately 2,000 people gathered on Sunday for a demonstration supporting Israel. Protesters at the rally called on the European Union and Germany to immediately cease financial aid to the Palestinians, claiming the funds were "primarily used for terror." Participants in the Berlin demonstration waved Israeli blue and white flags and held signs reading "Stand with Israel."
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Israeli flag projected onto Brandenburg Gate in Berlin in sign of solidarity amid Hamas attack
Philip, one of the demonstrators in Berlin, told Reuters, "I am here because I saw the images from Israel and the dreadful terror attacks and saw how brutally they occurred. We must support Israel."
Like other Western leders, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed support for Israel and its right to defend itself following the attack by Hamas. "Germany stands with you," said the chancellor.
In another expression of Germany's support for Israel, the Israeli blue and white flag was projected onto the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. The Israeli flag was also projected Sunday onto the residence of UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, onto the European Union building in Brussels, and onto street signs in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. France also expressed solidarity, and the Eiffel Tower was darkened.