ORTHODOX UNION AND RABBINICAL COUNCIL OF AMERICA EXPRESS SUPPORT FOR ISRAEL’S DEFENSE OPERATION; CALL FOR PRAYERS AND TORAH STUDY IN SOLIDARITY
Today, the leadership of the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America issued the following statement:
“The leadership of the Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America expresses our solidarity with the people and government of Israel and our support for the military actions that are underway to defend innocent lives along Israel’s southern border, the inherent right and duty of every nation.
In recent months, Israel has been subject to hundreds of rocket attacks from Gaza based Hamas terrorists.
Israel has shown more patience and restraint in the face of these attacks than any other nation facing such attacks. We support Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak and the leaders and soldiers of the IDF in their efforts.
We recognize the military and security cooperation between the United States and Israel and we express our appreciation to President Obama for his strong statements of support for Israel’s right to defend herself in the face of Hamas’ terror attacks.
This coming Shabbat, as we gather in our synagogues and read the portion of the Torah that relates the travails of our patriarch Jacob in the face of his enemies we are called upon to echo his responses, as detailed by our sages: diplomacy, prayer, and self-defense. While our brothers and sisters in Israel are personally engaged in self-defense, we call upon our members and all supporters of Israel to engage in extra Torah study, prayer, political action, and charity in support of Israel’s soldiers and civilians on the front line of this current battle.”
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