During the past few days, we have seen horrific atrocities committed against Israeli innocents, reminiscent of the darkest days of Jewish history. Murder. Mayhem. Kidnappings. Beheadings. Inhuman behavior. Directed towards soldier and civilian alike. Men, women, children, infants and the elderly. Agudath Israel has been in touch with high-ranking U.S. government officials to discuss the situation, both abroad and at home. But now is not the time to give reports. Now is a time for action. We must stand firmly by Israel’s side and ensure strong and steadfast support by our elected officials in Washington. President Biden has committed additional military assistance, including equipment, resources and munitions, to Israel, and has moved the Gerald Ford aircraft carrier toward the eastern Mediterranean. We thank the President for this vital aid. But Congress will be returning to town tomorrow. And we must also engage them in bolstering support for Israel. We urge you to contact your Representatives and urge them to publicly express their staunch backing of Israel in the fight against terror. They must speak out at this critical moment! And we must also urge them to co-sponsor a bipartisan resolution to be introduced tomorrow by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY). The resolution, among other things says the House stands with Israel and condemns Hamas’ brutal war. Contact your Representatives and urge them to sign on to the resolution by clicking below. Their voices are needed now. (fb)

In the wake of Hamas' murderous attacks on Israelis, including civilian men, women and children, which have left over 700 dead, thousands injured, and entire families taken hostage, Agudath Israel of America joins fellow Jews and civilized people everywhere in outrage and in mourning the carnage. That this attack was carried out on the holy day of Simchas Torah, a day of celebration of the Torah, only increases our pain. We are heartened by the words of condemnation of Hamas' actions from governmental, civil, and religious leaders in the U.S. and worldwide. And we stand in support of the people of Israel as they face the country's deepest tragedy in over fifty years. Agudath Israel is actively monitoring the situation with our contacts in Israel and will be directing our constituents in how best to aid our brothers and sisters in Israel in the coming days. We call upon our brethren across the globe to intensify our tefillos on behalf of the hostages and those injured, to support the victims and their families in whatever ways possible, and to beseech Hashem that peace be restored to the region: ose shalom b'mromav, hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu, v'al kol Yisroel, v'imru amein. May Hashem send healing to the injured and comfort to the families of the slain. (fb)