OJC | Statements on the crisis in Israel

Representative Angie King (R-Celina)

Representative Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Twp.)

Representative Tavia Galonski (D-Akron)

Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.)

Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton)

Representative Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.)

Representative Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.)

STATEMENTS IN RESPONSE TO THE RECENT ATTACKS ON ISRAEL

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Ohio Elected Officials Statements

Ohio Members of Congress Statements

Jewish Agency Statements and Community Gatherings

Make a donation

Swords of Iron Fund

Cleveland Stands with Israel Fund

Support Israel

Operation Swords of Iron Fund

Israel Relief Fund 2023

PUBLIC OFFICIALS

Updated October 17, 2023 12:00PM

Statement issued by Representatives Allison Russo, Dontavius Jarrells, Jessica Miranda, Tavia Galonski, Bride Rose Sweeney, Terrence Upchurch, Michele Grim, Ismail Mohamed, Dani Isaacsohn, Casey Weinstein, and Elliot Forhan.

Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill)

Lt. Governor Jon Husted

Secretary of State Frank LaRose

Senator Matt Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls)

Representative Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton)

Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland)

Representative Thomas Hall (R-Middletown)

Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green)

Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard)

Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima)

House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Columbus)

Senator Niraj Antani (R-Dayton)

Representative Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.)

Representative Tavia Galonski (D-Akron)

Representative Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Twp.)

Representative Phil Plummer (R-Dayton)

Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.)

Attorney General Dave Yost

Representative Justin Pizzulli (R-Franklin Furnace)

President Joe Biden

Vice President Kamala Harris

Representative Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester)

Auditor Keith Faber

Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon)

Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood)

Treasurer Robert Sprague

Representative Jeff LaRe (R-Canal Winchester)

Representative Adam Bird (R-Cincinnati)

Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott)

Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid)

Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville)

Representative Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana)

Senantor Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson)

Representative Nick Santucci (R-Howland Twp.)

Governor Mike DeWine

Representative Phil Robinson (D-Solon)

Representative Susan Manchester (R-Lakeview)

Representative Jena Powell (R-Laura)

Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Rome)

Senator George Lang (R-West Chester Twp.)

Representative Haraz Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg)

Representative Angie King (R-Celina)

Representative Gail Pavliga (R-Atwater)

Representative Gary Click (R-Vickery)

Representative Beth Lear (R-Galena)

Senator Al Landis (R-Dover)

Senator Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland)

Representative Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati)

Congressman Troy Balderson (R-Zanesville)

Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-Blacklick)

Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-Warrensville Heights)

U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown

U.S. Senator J.D. Vance

Congressman Mike Carey (R-Columbus)

Congressman Dave Joyce (R-Chagrin Falls)

October 8, 2023

"The acts of terrorism unleashed upon Israel this weekend are heinous and most be condemned in the strongest sense possible.

The United States Government has a responsibility to stand with and assist Israel in protecting itself from these unprovoked crimes against humanity, which abhorrently have targeted innocent civilians.

I've had the privilege to travel to Israel and see firsthand the kindness of its people, the hope of its democracy, and the spiritual impact of its history. My wife Kelly and I send our prayers to all those impacted and fighting against this senseless violence.

I will continue to do everything in my power in Congress to provide our ally with the resources it needs to fight Hamas and any other group that continues to threaten peace in the region. This antisemitic violence will not stand."

Congressman Bill Johnson (R-Marietta)

The Israeli people are under unprovoked and brutal attack by Iran-supported Hamas terrorists. Israel has an unquestionable right to defend itself from this evil, and America must continue standing with our strongest ally in the Middle East."

Congressman Jim Jordan (R-Urbana)

Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo)

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green)

Congressman Greg Landsman (D-Cincinnati)

Congressman Max Miller (R-Rocky River)

Congresswoman Emilia Sykes (D-Akron)

Congressman Mike Turner (R-Dayton)

Congressman Brad Wenstrup (R-Cincinnati)

"I unequivocally stand with Israel, and her people, in the face of this savagery, grief, and anger. May the response and resolve be swift and effective,"

Congressman Warren Davidson (R-Troy)

JEWISH AGENCIES

Updated October 10, 2023 3:00PM

Canton Jewish Community Federation

JewishAkron

Jewish Federation of Cleveland

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 5:00PM

Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Building

JewishColumbus

Monday, October 9, 2023 | 7:00PM

JCC of Greater Columbus and Zoom

STATEMENT

JewishAkron stands in total and complete solidarity with our family in Israel. The news we are seeing is shocking and heartbreaking and our prayers are with the people of Israel. We pray for their healing, health and safety, mourn those who have already perished in these brutal and cowardly attacks, and demand the prompt return of Israelis kidnapped and being held in Gaza.

Youngstown Area Jewish Federation

The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation’s statement on the current situation in Israel

Friends:

Due to the extraordinary nature of the current situation in Israel and its importance to our community, we are making a rare exception to make a statement to both the media and our community on Shabbat and the chag.

Once again, terrorists and enemies of peace attacked the people of Israel on a holy day of the Jewish calendar. Hundreds of Israelis are wounded and dozens are dead. That number is expected to rise.

The attack came on Simchat Torah, when Jews complete the annual cycle of reading the Torah scroll, normally a joyous day, as well as the 50th anniversary of the 1973 War in which Arab states blitzed Israel on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar. This year, however, Hamas declared war, launching an unprecedented wide-ranging mass attack. We, alongside the United States government, unequivocally condemn the unprovoked attack, and fully support Israel’s right to defend itself. We pray for the safety of our Israeli brethren, and offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed in the attack.

The JCRC will continue to monitor the situation in Israel, in the national organized Jewish community, and beyond. We will continue to keep you updated as the situation evolves. Please feel free to contact Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, executive director of community relations/government affairs, with further questions or comments: bdburdman@jewishyoungstown.org

Community Gathering

Sunday, October 8, 2023 | 7:00PM

Temple El Emeth

Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo

Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo statement on the current situation in Israel

We are filled with sadness and anger over the craven and evil incursion by Hamas into Israel. There was no provocation for this attack that murdered and took as hostages civilian men, women and children. The actions by Hamas, with the help and support of Iran, must be condemned with a message and response that makes clear that these actions will not be left unanswered. We also need to pray for those injured, those killed, the hostages and for family and friends who are defending the State of Israel from those who seek its destruction.

JFNA has opened an Israel Relief Fund and we will have a coordinated community effort. Toledo has responded in the past and will respond again to meet humanitarian needs in Israel. Schools are closed and just about every family has some connection to the war. They have had children called to service, have been unable to reach loved ones or have learned that family or friends have been killed or taken hostage. We will, of course, answer “Hineni,” Here I am, and will support the people of Israel in these dark hours. You may give to the Relief Fund here.

We will continue to stand together. Am Yisrael Chai! The People of Israel Lives.

Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

STATEMENT ON THE ONGOING CRISIS IN ISRAEL

Cincinnati, OH - October 7, 2023

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 7:00PM

Mayerson JCC Amberley Room

The Jewish Federation of Cincinnati stands in solidarity with the people of Israel during these harrowing times. We are deeply grieved and profoundly concerned by the ongoing crisis that has engulfed our extended family in Israel.

It has been exactly 50 years and a day since the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, a moment in history etched with the bravery and resilience of the people of Israel. Today, as we mark this somber milestone, we are once again called upon to stand with our Israeli brethren in the face of an unfolding crisis.

Jewish Federation of Greater Dayton

Community Solidarity Gathering

We stand as a united community to show our support for the people of Israel, to mourn the victims, and pray for those who have been injured or taken captive.

We come together to support Jews in Israel, in America, and around the world as we show our strength and pursue hope, peace, and healing.

Tuesday, October 10, 2023 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Boonshoft Center for Jewish Culture and Education

We invite you to attend this event either in person, or via Zoom. If attending via Zoom, you must click here to register. In partnership with Beth Abraham Synagogue, Beth Jacob Congregation, Chabad of Greater Dayton, Temple Beth Or, and Temple Israel.

NO PURSES, BACKPACKS, OR BAGS OF ANY KIND WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE BUILDING.

Canton Jewish Community Federation

Community Vigil for Israel

Tuesday, October 10 | 7:30PM

In person and virtual

Jewish Federations of North America

ADL

On October 7, the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas carried out an unprecedented surprise attack on the Jewish state of Israel. In an act of war, Hamas terrorists invaded Israel, infiltrated cities and towns across Israel’s south, kidnapped civilians and fired thousands of rockets and missiles at cities across the country.

We send our condolences to the families of the murdered and our wishes for a speedy recovery to those who are wounded. Israel has every right to defend itself from acts of war and terrorism. We stand united with Israel.

AJC

Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations

Union for Reform Judaism

On this Shabbat Atzeret Simchat Torah morning, the day after the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, our North American Jewish community woke up to the horror of Hamas’ brutal assault on Israel with hundreds wounded and at least dozens murdered. We stand in complete solidarity with the people of Israel, so many of whom are directly in harm’s way, and pray for all those who are defending the State. And we pray for the healing of the wounded, redemption for those captured and comfort for the many bereaved. All people of conscience must stand in solidarity with Israel.

Orthodox Union

The horrors experienced in Israel these past days are indescribable.

Our hearts are broken by the grief of the hundreds of families who have suffered the losses of loved ones, by the pain of the thousands wounded, and by the trauma of entire communities whose sense of security has been upended. We share in the agony of the hostages and their families as they find themselves in the hands of hate-filled captors who do not behave as people.

What can we say? What can we do?

We must pray to G-d. Everyone as an individual and every community should recite with frequency and intensity Psalms 20, 83, 121, 130 and 142.

We must show support financially. Many responsible organizations are raising funds that will provide for real needs. Give wisely and generously.

We must show support personally. Reach out to your family and friends in Israel – even those who you are not regularly in contact with – and share words of care, support, and concern.

We must show support communally. Join your community’s rally for Israel and your shul or community’s Tehillim gatherings.

Finally, we must draw strength and hope by reminding ourselves of who we are, replaying in our minds and on our lips the words – the value statements – we sang over and over again on Simchas Torah.