HIAS Condemns the Attack on Israel
Oct 7, 2023
SILVER SPRING, Md. — HIAS is horrified by the attack against civilian populations in Israel on Shemini Atzeret, one of Judaism’s holiest days. While details are still emerging, it has been widely reported that terrorists in Gaza indiscriminately launched thousands of rockets towards heavily populated areas, crossed into Israel murdering nearly 1,000 people and wounding nearly 3,000 others, and are holding hostage an estimated 150 Israelis and residents of Israel. Civilians throughout the region are living in fear of even more violence, more suffering, and more loss.
HIAS staff in Israel are safe and accounted for. Their vital work of welcoming and fighting for the rights of people seeking refuge in Israel — to which HIAS Israel has been dedicated for decades — will continue to the extent possible given the rapidly evolving security situation. HIAS Israel is reaching out to the asylum seekers we serve in the country to ascertain how we can best support their unique needs at this time.
Israelis and Palestinians have the right to live in safety, dignity, and peace. We stand with people of faith around the world in praying for those who have lost loved ones, urge a swift de-escalation of this conflict, and join other humanitarians calling for the protection of civilian lives.
This statement was updated on October 10, 2023 to include the latest figures.
