Our Response to Iran Strikes

As the U.S. and Israel undertake a joint military operation targeting the Iranian regime, and Iran retaliates against Israel, American troops in the region, and Gulf allies, JDCA issued the following statement on Iran:

The Iranian regime has oppressed and killed its own people, and is responsible for the murders of Americans, Israelis, and Jews around the world. Iran is the largest global state sponsor of terror, and it must never have the ability to acquire a nuclear weapon. We strongly support the U.S.-Israel security relationship, and stand with American troops and Americans in the region, the Israeli people and military, and our Gulf partners as they defend against an onslaught of ongoing Iranian ballistic missile attacks.

Our hope for a democratic future in Iran and security in the region does not eliminate the need for President Trump to seek and receive the authorization of Congress prior to attacking Iran. We are gravely concerned about the safety and security of American troops, Israelis, and other civilians in the region, given the lack of a clearly articulated strategy from this White House about its military objectives and what comes next.

As we’ve learned from history, launching a conflict in the Middle East is far easier than ending one, and this administration has not made a clear case about its objectives – or how it will achieve these objectives – in and beyond Iran. The American people, including Jewish Americans, have no reason to trust that President Trump has a strategy to ensure a secure and stable Middle East.

The power to declare war belongs to Congress – and Congress alone. President Trump must abide by the law and present a clear strategy to Congress and the American people. We support the bipartisan Senate and House War Powers resolutions, and urge every member of Congress to reassert their constitutionally-mandated authority over the use of U.S. military force.

Join us by demanding Congress reassert its war powers.

In solidarity,

Halie Soifer
CEO, Jewish Democratic Council of America