8 October 2023

Open statement of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova on the massive attack on Israel by the terrorist group HAMAS and its allies

The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova strongly condemns the massive attack on Israel, the acts of violence against civilians, the ongoing shelling and hostage-taking.

These days, Israel is forced to endure another brutal war and defend its right to existence and the rights of its people to peace and security.

Yesterday, as we all celebrated one of the important holidays of the Jewish calendar, Simchat Torah, Israel was subjected to intense, unprovoked rocket fire from the Gaza Strip committed by HAMAS.

At the same time, dozens of terrorists were able to break through the fence and demarcation border, penetrating into Israeli territory. Their actions resulted in hundreds of deaths, more than a thousand wounded, hundreds of missing and hostage civilians. Horrifying evidences, photographs, eyewitness testimonials – this is the reality of millions of Israelis in the recent
days.

This represents a dramatic escalation in HAMAS ongoing war against Israeli civilians. This attack continues with unrelenting brutality, with firing rockets at cities and towns in southern and central Israel. HAMAS militants are still at large, posing a serious threat to Israelis along the way. Bombings are also carried out from Lebanon, while Iran openly supported the actions
of HAMAS yesterday.

HAMAS, the terrorist organization that controls the Gaza Strip, is responsible for this massive attack. It was launched without any pretext or prior provocation on the side of Israel. This comes after a long period during which Israel has made tangible efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, demonstrating its commitment to peace. The tragic events occur against the backdrop of developing relations between Riyadh and Jerusalem, which could be decisive for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.

This attack once again underscores HAMAS’s prioritization of harming Israeli citizens over the well-being and safety of the population of the Gaza Strip. They continue to view the Palestinians under their control as human shields in campaign against Israel.

It is important to recognize that the people of the Gaza Strip are not enemies of Israel. Rather, responsibility lies with HAMAS and terrorist organizations that knowingly and intentionally operate in densely populated areas and near humanitarian sites. While Israel does everything possible to minimize harm to civilians, these terrorist organizations are committing double war
crimes by indiscriminately attacking civilians and hiding among the civilian population of the Gaza Strip.

photo World Jewish Congress

As the World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder previously stated: “Let it be known, unequivocally, that the entire Jewish diaspora stands in unwavering support of Israel and its valiant security forces during these challenging times”

The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova joins world Jewry and the entire civilized world, which unconditionally condemns terrorism, HAMAS, and expresses its support for Israel, reaffirming its inalienable right to self-defense.

Noting that the leadership of the Republic of Moldova expressed its position in support of Israel on the afternoon of October 7, 2023, we emphasize the need for categorical condemnation of what is happening.

The Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova fully condemns the attack on Israel, expresses condolences to the families of the victims and stands in solidarity with the people of Israel!

Am Yisrael Chai – The people of Israel are alive!

Open statement of the Jewish Community of the Republic of Moldova on the massive attack on Israel by the