PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Following Iran’s large-scale missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, two area Jewish organizations have much to say — and the difference between their views is stark.
The attack came after the U.S. warned Israel about Iran’s plan to retaliate for the assassination of Hezbollah leaders.
Michael Balaban, president and CEO of The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia, says the organization and the entire Jewish community stands resolute in supporting Israel's right to safety and the right to self defense.
“This is a brazen attack by the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is an attack of terrorism against civilians. The world needs to stand up against Iran, and Israel will not bend.”
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But Jewish Voice for Peace Philadelphia condemns the actions of the Israeli military.
“We care about not another life being lost — Israeli, Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian. We believe that that's the world we want to live in. We must, as a United States government, stop sending weapons and arming the Israeli military and government,” said member leader Dani Noble.
“What we are seeing is the rogue and reckless actions of the Israeli military and government spiraling communities in the region into all-out war.”
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The U.S. military assisted the Israel Defence Forces to help defend Israel against the attack, and officials say there will be severe consequences for the action.
Balaban says the Jewish Federation is grateful for the continued support of the U.S. government and armed forces, and that the world needs to recognize that the attack on Israel is the work of a terrorist group.
“And time and time again, we think that we're dealing with rational individuals, and we hope that, through diplomacy, we can get somewhere,” Balaban said. “But terrorists, they're not looking for diplomacy.”
As the action comes on with the approach of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year, both organizations say they are praying for peace.