Cincinnati leaders, Jewish Federation respond to attacks on Israel

In response to the Hamas attacks on Israel on Saturday, the Jewish Federation of Cincinnati has created a fund for humanitarian efforts.

The "Swords of Iron" fund, named for the defense operation Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized in response to the attacks, will support providing shelters and enhancing security in high-risk areas and offering trauma support, the federation said in a statement.

"We are deeply grieved and profoundly concerned by the ongoing crisis that has engulfed our extended family in Israel," the federation said. "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."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken: Americans may be among the dead and those taken hostage in Israel-Hamas war

Muslim advocacy group holds rally in Columbus

The Council on American-Islamic Relations of Ohio held a rally in front of the Ohio statehouse on Sunday afternoon and released a statement criticizing President Joe Biden's military aid to Israel.

"This deadly violence must stop. The only way to permanently stop the violence is to end the occupation. Hundreds of Palestinian civilians are killed every year and millions more men, women, and children are subject to systemic, racist oppression," the organization said.

CAIR Ohio urged support for donation funds for Palestinian aid, including the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund and Pious Projects.

Local leaders offer statements of support to Israel

Gov. Mike DeWine declared Saturday and Sunday as days of prayer for the people of Israel.

"Fran and I extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families of the unprovoked attack on Israel today. We offer our support to the people of Israel and condemn this unjustified act by Hamas," he said in a statement.

Sen. Sherrod Brown condemned the attacks in a statement on Sunday.

“I condemn Hamas’s horrific, unprovoked attacks on the Israeli people. These acts of terrorism are an affront to human rights and our shared values of peace and democracy. I want to be clear: Israel is our oldest, strongest ally in the region and has the right to exist and the right to self-defense. I will keep working with both parties to ensure continued support for Israel," he said.

Rep. Brad Wenstrup said the Hamas militants were backed by Iran in a tweet on Saturday and called out the Biden administration for lifting the freeze on $6 billion to be spent on humanitarian aid in Iran.

"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," he said.

Rep. Greg Landsman called the attacks "terrifying and infuriating" in a statement on Saturday.

“Over 2,000 rockets have been fired into Israel, with reports of Israelis being taken hostage. This is terrifying and infuriating. America stands with Israel and the Israeli people. May this horrific assault on Israel end quickly," he said.

Safety for Jewish people in Cincinnati

The city's Jewish Federation has a safety initiative, Safe Cincinnati, that provides physical security and security training as the rate of antisemitic incidents in Ohio has increased.

CEO Danielle Minson said in a statement to The Enquirer the federation always takes safety and security seriously and are mindful of any context that may elevate security needs.

"Thankfully, at present, we are aware of no extra reason for Jews in Cincinnati to be fearful for their personal safety," she said.

Erin Glynn is the watchdog reporter for Butler, Warren and Clermont counties through the Report For America program. The Enquirer needs local donors to help fund her grant-funded position. If you want to support Glynn's work, you can donate to her Report For America position at this website or email her editor Carl Weiser at cweiser@enquirer.com to find out how you can help fund her work. 

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati leaders and groups respond to Hamas attacks on Israel