JDCA Demands Immediate Action to Alleviate Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
WASHINGTON – In response to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) CEO Halie Soifer released the following statement:
“As a Jewish pro-Israel organization, we are among the staunchest supporters of Israel as a democratic and Jewish state. We support a robust and constructive leadership role for the United States in the Middle East, which takes into consideration Israel’s ongoing and vital security needs, as well as its right to self-defense.
“It is with deep concern for Israel’s security, international standing, and future as a Jewish and democratic state that we are calling for immediate steps to alleviate the dire and growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is unacceptable and antithetical to our Jewish values, and it’s incumbent on the Israeli government, the United States, and all parties to ensure that Gazans have access to food.
“Given deeply troubling reports of starvation across Gaza and violence at aid distribution sites, Israel must do more to immediately ensure aid is widely available and safe to access. We are aware of grave challenges to aid distribution in Gaza and the diversion of aid by Hamas, but the humanitarian conditions in Gaza are utterly devastating, and the parties must find a way to overcome distribution challenges and provide food and water to those desperately in need.
“We also call for Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement that includes a return of all hostages, living and dead, immediately, not in stages. Nearly two years since Hamas perpetrated the horrific attacks of October 7, there must be a sustainable ceasefire despite continued intransigence from Hamas, and we call on all parties to take actions necessary to release the hostages, provide vital humanitarian assistance, and bring this war to an end.”
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