Key Messages

Regarding the War with Hamas

There is nothing the Jewish people want more than peace.
In 2005, Israel voluntarily exited from Gaza in a committed effort to create a peaceful existence for both the people of Israel and its Palestinian neighbors. Since then, Israel has been under constant threat from Hamas, an internationally recognized terrorist organization that established itself in 2007 as the area’s governing power after a coup. Sources: Times of Israel, Council on Foreign Relations
Hamas has been clear in charter and consistent in message – Hamas is driven by a hatred of Jews and the goal to annihilate Jews and the state of Israel. Source: ADL
The president of the United States, the United States Congress, leaders of the European Union, Germany, and the United Kingdom all support Israel’s right to protect its citizens. Source: Whitehouse.gov
We grieve for the loss of all innocent lives. Israel is taking extraordinary actions to minimize civilian deaths, while Hamas is committing war crimes to maximize the loss of innocent lives, such as using human shields. Sources: Jerusalem Post, Washington Post
Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones in Gaza, and we mourn the loss of all innocent lives.

Ceasefires with Hamas have historically been fragile and short-lived. Prior to October 7, 2023, a ceasefire agreement was in place, but Hamas violated it with its brutal attack that murdered 1,200 people, injured thousands, and took hundreds hostage. Since then, Hamas has repeatedly refused to accept internationally negotiated ceasefire agreements. In the rare instances when fighting has paused, Hamas’ focus has been to rearm and regroup rather than to pave a path toward peace.
On October 9, 2025, Israeli Cabinet approved the first phase of a U.S.-brokered cease-fire deal with Hamas that included the release of roughly 48 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, an initial pause in Israeli strikes, and steps toward IDF redeployment to agreed lines. Since then, Israeli officials say Hamas has already violated the agreement, citing RPG/sniper fire on IDF units near Rafah and other attacks. Sources: ABC News, Times of Israel
True and lasting peace requires a clear distinction between these different conflicts. Ending violence in the region demands accountability from Hamas, restraint from Iran, and sustained international pressure to ensure ceasefires are honored rather than exploited. Sources: AJC, AJC

Over the years, when Israel has responded to attacks on its citizens by Hamas, the terrorist organization has strategically positioned itself as the victim of Israeli aggression and sought international pressure to condemn Israel.
And, each time, it sparks a notable rise in hatred towards Jews around the world.
In the United States, hate crimes against Jews are up 200% since Hamas viciously murdered more than 1,200 innocent people – including parents and their babies – injured thousands more and kidnapped hundred others. During this same period, antisemitic incidents on university campuses surged by an alarming 500%. Sources: Axios, Times of Israel, BBC, NY Post
This surge includes threats and violence directed towards Jewish individuals, institutions, and businesses. The actions and rhetoric of Hamas supporters are only escalating tensions rather than promoting peace.
"From the river to the sea" means the elimination of the Jewish people – not the liberation of the Palestinian people. Source: AJC
We must work together to combat all forms of hate. When one community is attacked, all communities are attacked.