It is with love for the Jewish and democratic state of Israel, and our longstanding commitment to human rights, that JCRC Bay Area unequivocally condemns the ongoing violent attacks on Palestinian civilians by extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank. We are deeply concerned by the increasing frequency and intensity of these attacks, which are terrorizing communities and undermining prospects for peaceful coexistence. JCRC joins American and Israeli voices across a wide political spectrum, which include leaders of settlement movements, to bring those responsible to justice, and call for stronger measures that will curtail future violence.

Israel has contended with Palestinian terror groups in the West Bank for decades, and we affirm Israel’s sovereign right to defend its citizens against terrorism. Violence committed by extremist Israelis must be contended with in similar ways. These extremist groups are but a small minority of settlers, let alone the vast majority of Israelis, who seek peaceful coexistence.

JCRC believes the security and well-being of Israelis and Palestinians are deeply intertwined. Both peoples have deep, inextricable ties to the land. While political disagreements will continue, we must remain united in advancing coexistence work and rejecting all forms of violence, as we seek to build a more peaceful future for all.

Further Reading