Local organizations, legislators condemn attack

Oct. 9—KINGSTON — The Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council issued a statement on Monday, saying it stands with Israel and the Jewish community.

"We stand in solidarity with the nation of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, and we vehemently condemn terrorism and the ideologies that fuel such hatred and violence," the statement said. "In light of the recent horrific terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas in Israel, the Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council extends its deepest condolences to the friends and family of those who have been killed or injured."

The Council's statement said its mission has always been to foster understanding and peaceful coexistence among all faith groups.

"And we remain steadfast in our commitment to these ideals," the statement said. "Therefore we call upon communities of all faiths to come together in solidarity against terrorism, hatred and intolerance. It is crucial that we stand united and work towards fostering a peaceful and harmonious society."

The Wyoming Valley Interfaith Council also extends its heartfelt gratitude towards the countless individuals and organizations working tirelessly to provide aid and it supports those affected "by these shameful and tragic acts of terror."

There will be a community vigil at the Friedman Jewish Community Center in Kingston on Tuesday, Oct. 10, at 7 p.m. to discuss the current situation in Israel, honor the memories of those lost and to pray for peace, understanding, and healing for all.

Rabbi Larry Kaplan of Temple Israel in Wilkes-Barre, said the horror of the massive attack by Hamas terrorists from Gaza is still surreal.

"The sheer number of Jews slaughtered inside of two days has not been seen since the Holocaust," Kaplan said. "I believe the world may not realize that there are only about 13 million Jews on the planet, just more than half of them in Israel. To lose almost a thousand is a colossal number.

"There are about 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, and the thought that these terrorists, backed by Iran and other hostile forces, would focus such evil on such a small group of people is mind boggling. The capture of hundreds of Israeli citizens, not soldiers, but just plain folks from their homes to be brought as hostages into Gaza is nothing less than evil.

"This is no cycle of violence. This is not about proportional response. It is simply evil. No religion, no political reason, no humanity could justify such abject terror."

At the Stand with Israel solidarity gathering Tuesday evening at the Jewish Community Center, Kaplan said prayers will be offered to gain some comfort.

"We will be featuring a song that was written some 50 years ago, just after the 1973 Yom Kippur War," Kaplan said. "It is called HaMilchama Ha'Achrona, and its words say, 'I promise you, my little daughter, that this will be the last war.' Our prayer is that as we replay that haunting melody, those words will finally become reality."

Greg Fellerman, president of the Friedman Jewish Community Center, sent a letter:

"Dear Friends,

"For many summers, the Wyoming Valley Jewish Community and the Friedman JCC host the Tzofim Friendship Caravan, a group of Israeli teenagers who sing and dance and share their stories and love of country with the JCC Campers and the community at large.

"Today, we think about the Scouts that we met through the years, and our relatives, friends, and loved ones in Israel.

"Yesterday, on Shabbat and the holidays of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, at approximately 6:30 a.m., terrorists from Hamas and Islamic Jihad launched over 5,000 rockets into Israel, infiltrated its borders, and kidnapped and slaughtered hundreds of Israeli civilians and soldiers in a brutal attack.

"In the subsequent hours, terrorists from Hamas hindered rescue efforts and continued to violate international law by killing first-aid personnel, destroying rescue vehicles, and murdering innocent civilians, thereby committing multiple violations of international law. This aggressive attack follows an extended period in which Israel endeavored to maintain peace and strengthen the economy in Gaza.

"In response to this unprovoked and large-scale assault by Hamas, Israel declared a state of war and has been actively reinforcing its defenses.

"This unprecedented attack against Israeli civilians will be met with a strong response. The people of Israel stand united in their determination to defend their country.

"Our Jewish community is in contact with various local, state and federal agencies staying apprised of the situation and will continue to update you.

"Here in the Wyoming Valley, we support and stand with Israel and ask you to pray for the State of Israel, all those who were killed or injured and their families, and the safe return of the hostages.

"Grant peace in the land and happiness to all its residents."

Legislators offer comments

U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, D-Moosic, is an original co-sponsor of a bipartisan House Resolution condemning the attack on Israel and declaring that the United States stands ready for urgent requests for additional assistance.

"I forcefully condemn the reprehensible and unprovoked acts of terrorism committed against Israel," Cartwright said. "The loss of life is devastating, and I pray for the families that have been torn apart. America stands united with Israel. We will do all that we can to ensure our strongest ally in the Middle East has the ability and the resources to restore and maintain the security and safety of all citizens in response to the violence perpetrated by Hamas."

The House Resolution, led by Reps. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Greg Meeks (D-NY), the top Republican and Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, states the U.S. House of Representatives:

—Stands with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists.

—Reaffirms Israel's right to self-defense.

—Condemns Hamas' brutal war on Israel.

—Calls on all countries to unequivocally condemn Hamas' brutal war on Israel.

—Calls on Hamas to immediately cease these violent attacks and safely release all living hostages and return the bodies of deceased hostages.

—Mourns the over 700 Israelis killed and over 2,000 others wounded in Hamas' unprovoked attack on Israel.

—Reaffirms the United States' commitment to Israel's security, including through security assistance in line with the 2016 U.S.-Israel Memorandum of Understanding.

—Urges full enforcement of the Taylor Force Act and other restrictions in U.S. law to prevent United States foreign assistance from benefiting terrorists, directly or indirectly.

—Condemns Iran's support for terrorist groups and proxies, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

—Urges full enforcement of U.S. sanctions against Iran to prevent Iran's funding of terrorist groups, including Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

—Stands ready to assist Israel with emergency resupply and other security, diplomatic and intelligence support.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, issued the following statement:

"The Hamas attack on Israel was unprovoked and an act of terror. Hamas continues to be a terrorist organization, which evidence shows is being funded and backed by Iran, making Gaza a terrorist state.

"We must support Israel and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in retaliating and preferably defeating Hamas as they are a menace to the region. I've been to the Israel-Hamas border and understand firsthand the random rocket fire emanating from Gaza on innocent Israeli citizens.

"This attack on Israel must be met with strong retaliation, with the goal of destroying Hamas and bringing peace to Gaza and the region."

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock issued the following statement:

"We now know this was a wide-scale, premeditated, cowardly, terrorist campaign against Israeli civilians that also claimed the lives of American citizens.

"I unequivocally support any necessary military, intelligence, and humanitarian aid to Israel. The United States has a moral obligation to be in lockstep with our ally as they confront this threat.

"I also fully support Israel neutralizing the terrorists responsible for this barbarism."

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, issued the following statement::

"Hamas has launched a coordinated terrorist attack against Israel, starting with thousands of rockets fired upon innocent Israelis and continued violence throughout the day.

"The United States must stand with Israel and its right to self-defense.

"This is a tragic day. Hundreds are already dead and countless Israeli and Palestinian civilians are at risk because of this needless slaughter."

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.