American Jewish Congress

A Necessary Strike: American Jewish Congress Backs Israel’s Action to Thwart Iranian Nuclear Threat The American Jewish Congress stands in full support of Israel’s decision to carry out preemptive strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. This was not an act of aggression, but one of preemption, self-defense, and self-preservation. Israel is not alone in losing faith in Iran’s intentions: 35 member states on the UN nuclear watchdog’s Board of Governors publicly rebuked Iran this week, declaring it in breach of its nuclear commitments and referring the matter to the UN Security Council for punitive action. For weeks, Iran has used diplomacy as cover while accelerating its nuclear program in secret and in violation of its international obligations. While global powers negotiated in good faith, Tehran raced toward weaponization -- and with it, further regional destabilization. Israel’s action comes after nearly every diplomatic avenue was exhausted and every warning ignored. Iran’s refusal to comply with inspections, its repeated threats of annihilation, and its backing of regional terror left Israel with no choice but to act -- not only in defense of its citizens, but in defense of the broader Middle East. The American Jewish Congress commends Israel’s leadership and defense forces for taking decisive steps to neutralize a threat that endangered not just Israel, but American allies, U.S. troops, global shipping lanes, and the entire regional balance of power. We urge the United States and the international community to recognize this moment for what it is: a turning point. Preventing a nuclear Iran is not merely an Israeli imperative -- it is a global security necessity. We stand with the people of Israel as they confront retaliation and remain resolute in our belief that peace cannot be built on illusions. Iran’s nuclear ambitions have made the region more dangerous. Israel’s action, though difficult, helps ensure the world does not wake up too late.

Iran War Update 3/3 Pakistan Navy Is Escorting Oil Tankers Near Hormuz | #Iran is threatening to destabilize the economy of its nuclear-armed neighbor #Pakistan, which holds less than two weeks of crude oil reserves. President Trump has called on countries importing Gulf oil to play an active role in challenging Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistani warships have moved to secure shipments. With close ties to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and the U.S. Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, Pakistan could help counter Iranian actions, much as it previously assisted US-led naval efforts intercepting Iranian arms shipments to the Houthi proxy in Yemen.

Iran War Update 2/3 Turkey Is Better Off Confronting the Iranian Regime Than Saving It | Turkey’s foreign minister has rejected the idea of a new government in Iran while President Erdogan has warned Tehran of unspecified consequences if missile attacks escalate. Turkish outlets close to the government are debating whether preserving a weakened regime might serve Turkish interests and help keep Israel under pressure. This would be a bad idea.

Iran War Update 1/3 Gulf States Should Consider Joining US & Israel To End Iran’s Control of Hormuz | Gulf armed forces are on heightened alert. Saudis, Qataris, and Emiratis have signaled possible retaliation if #Iran does not cease attacks. Iran’s blockade of the Strait is a direct act of war on Gulf Arab states and would devastate economies across Asia and Africa. #US–#Israel military action is already weakening the regime’s ability to project force. #Gulf states can join the effort and help Washington and Jerusalem end Iran’s international blackmail at the Strait of Hormuz.

An Iranian missile exploded over Jerusalem’s Old City. Its fragments fell on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Armenian Patriarchate, the Jewish Quarter and on the Temple Mount near the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Iranian regime is firing missiles toward Jerusalem’s holy sites, endangering Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. Israel, meanwhile, acts to protect worshippers of all faiths in its capital city.

Operation Epic Fury and Operation Rising Lion are demonstrating how modern precision warfare can focus on #Iran’s regime infrastructure while avoiding harm to ordinary Iranians. This detailed thread from @WhiteHouse @PressSec outlines the objectives guiding the campaign, targeting missile capabilities, naval assets, proxy networks, and the regime’s nuclear ambitions. Clear objectives matter. We welcome this transparency:

The UN Security Council has passed a landmark resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on civilian targets across the Middle East, tabled by #Bahrain, backed by GCC states and #Jordan, and co-sponsored by 135 countries. #Israel supported the draft. That level of support reflects a growing international recognition of the threat posed by the Iranian regime’s aggression. As Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon notes, Iran has targeted civilians across the region while exporting instability and terror. The international community is beginning to respond.

The Religious Liberty Commission should never be a platform for antisemitic conspiracy theorists or those who condone them.  After Carrie Prejean Boller’s shameful display at last month’s public hearing, her removal from the Commission by @POTUS was the right decision. At a time when antisemitism is rising and turning deadly, there must be zero tolerance for those who embrace or excuse such hatred.

Words matter. The mainstreaming of antisemitic rhetoric has dangerous real world consequences. Today's attack on a Michigan synagogue is yet another in a string of examples. Allowing anti-Jewish hatred to go unchecked harms Jews and is a threat to all of society.

The Jewish community is in my thoughts right now, and I’m grateful for the armed security forces and law enforcement. The global scourge of antisemitism is rampant. The constant criticism targeting Israel and the Jewish community only serves to inflame and accelerate hate.

.@POTUS: "I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue earlier today. I've been fully briefed — and it's a terrible thing... We're going to be right down to the bottom of it." 🙏

🚨 UPDATE: Authorities responding to the incident at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield report that the individual who drove a vehicle into the synagogue complex has been neutralized after security personnel engaged the suspect as the situation unfolded. A security guard was struck by the vehicle and briefly lost consciousness but is expected to recover. Officials say there are no other known injuries at this time. Law enforcement continues to secure the area, and nearby residents have been advised to remain sheltered in place as the investigation proceeds.

My thoughts and prayers are in Michigan! Everyone should be able to pray, study, and live without fear for their lives. @realDonaldTrump @AGPamBondi @ChadGilmartinCA @GatesMcgavick

Attacking a place of worship is despicable, and I firmly stand with the Jewish community in Michigan. My prayers are with those on the scene at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield as we continue to receive updates.

Antisemitism has no place in America. As first responders work the scene, join me in praying for the Jewish community and the families affected in Michigan. No one should ever have to fear practicing their faith in this country. cbsnews.com/detroit/news/p…

I am closely tracking the active shooter situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township — a place I know well. This is another frightening event that is still being cleared. Please continue to follow local law enforcement guidelines and avoid the area — they are actively working the scene. My team and I will continue to be in close contact with law enforcement agencies and local officials. All communities deserve the right to worship safely. All communities. And acts of terror and antisemitism must be condemned and dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. wxyz.com/news/police-re…

Horrific scenes coming out of Michigan. Antisemitism has no place in our country. It’s disgusting and must be stopped. Please join Ann and me in praying for everyone at Temple Israel Synagogue in Michigan. Thank you to the brave law enforcement and first responders who rushed to the scene.

My heart is with the families and everyone affected by the violence at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. I am monitoring the situation, and people should follow the direction of law enforcement. I’m grateful for these first responders for their quick response. All Americans should feel safe where they pray, work, and live. Antisemitism has no place in our society and we all must come together to condemn this horrible violence.

Our @FBI and @ATFHQ agents are on the scene assisting local authorities at Temple Israel synagogue in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Please pray.

FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan. @FBIDetroit