What’s Happening:
On April 3, the Orthodox Union, advocating for over 1,000 synagogues in the United States, plans a monumental delivery of 180,000 letters to the White House to underscore 180 days since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict. This demonstration wished to illuminate President Biden’s recent shifts in policy regarding Israel’s defensive actions in Gaza and to advocate for unwavering support of Israel, the fight against antisemitism, and the urgent need for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Why It Matters:
The letters represent a significant mobilization within the American Jewish community—and their allies—broadcasting a clear message of solidarity with Israel while underscoring the vital importance of continuing support for their rights to defend against terrorism and hostility. By urging the President to prioritize the combat against antisemitism and ensure the safety and release of hostages, this campaign also highlights the broader concerns affecting global Jewry and the secure existence of Israel.
The Coalition Behind the Letters
The Orthodox Union, in conjunction with Jewish Federations of North America, Chabad on Campus, American Jewish Committee, Anti-Defamation League, and others, illustrates a considerable collaborative effort to reach their goal of 180,000 letters. These efforts paint a picture of unity and formidable resolve among major Jewish and pro-Israel organizations in the United States.
A Plea for Continuous Support
“We urge the Biden administration to stay the course and back Israel till the threat posed by Hamas is definitively quashed,” says Nathan Diament, the Orthodox Union Executive Director of Public Policy. This sentiment resonates with the underlying principle that Israel’s right to self-defense and the global fight against antisemitism are non-negotiable.
An Ongoing Concern
Initial support from the Biden administration towards Israel was positively received following the Oct. 7 attacks. However, the reverberating worry amongst Jewish communities and their advocates rises from observed hesitancy in the U.S. position on Israel’s self-defensive measures in Gaza, highlighted by the recent U.S. abstention from a crucial U.N. vote.
The Bigger Picture
This unprecedented initiative by the Orthodox Union and its partners not only seeks to solidify support for Israel in its struggle against hostility and terror but also aims to firmly position antisemitism as a pressing issue that needs the unwavering attention of world leaders, including President Biden. Through this substantial demonstration of support and concern, the global Jewish community eagerly awaits concrete actions and robust leadership in addressing these paramount issues.
This story was first published on foxnews.com.