JDCA Urges Continuation of Military Assistance for Israel

WASHINGTON – In response to the two Joint Resolutions of Disapproval on military sales to Israel introduced by Senator Sanders to be voted on this evening, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) released the following statement:

“As a Jewish pro-Israel organization, we support a robust and constructive leadership role for the United States in the Middle East, which takes into consideration Israel’s ongoing security requirements and right to self-defense, the urgent need to achieve a ceasefire agreement with Hamas that includes a release of all hostages, and the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza.

“JDCA’s platform states that ‘the United States should continue vital security assistance to Israel with no cuts or conditions, and provide Israel with emergency supplemental assistance as needed, to ensure the Jewish state maintains its qualitative military edge and ability to defend itself.’ Consistent with this position, we urge senators to vote against the two Sanders resolutions of disapproval (JRDs) on military sales to Israel.

“We also continue to call for Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement that includes a return of all hostages, living and dead, immediately, not in stages. Nearly two years since Hamas perpetrated the horrific attacks of October 7, there must be a sustainable ceasefire despite continued intransigence from Hamas, and we call on all parties to take actions necessary to release the hostages, provide vital humanitarian assistance, and bring this war to an end.

“Additionally, we continue to call for immediate steps to address the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is unacceptable and antithetical to our Jewish values. It’s incumbent on the Israeli government, the United States, the United Nations, and all parties to ensure that Gazans have access to food. Finally, we remain deeply concerned about violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, which must come to an immediate end. We call on the Israeli government and police to ensure that no U.S. weapons are used to perpetrate such violence.” 

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