Focus Areas > Israel

The JCRC educates and advocates on issues facing Israel.

The JCRC works to:

• Increase understanding within the Jewish community of the issues facing Israel today and of the historical events that shaped the present reality.
• Provide the information that members of the Jewish community require to counter negative statements and to effectively deliver pro-Israel statements.
• Strenghten solidarity of the Jewish community with Israel.
• Empower the Jewish community to advocate on behalf of Israel.
• Increase understanding of and support for Israel within other faith groups and within the broader general community.
• Provide increased understanding of Israel's advances in the areas of business and technology and create points of comnnection between the St. Louis business/technology community and the Israel business and technology community.
  
  
  Position of the Jewish Community Relations Council:
  "Common Ground on Israel"

  
  The following position was unanimously approved by the JCRC Council on Tuesday, April 13, 2010:
  

  Speaking about Israel: Finding Common Ground

  In hopes of nurturing and encouraging a broad community conversation about Israel, we share the following principles of common ground, and affirm our commitment to:

  • The right of Israel to exist as the Jewish state.

  • The safety and security of Israel and its people.

  • Full and open discussion on the range of issues concerning Israel.

  • Civility in language and in behavior in dialogue about Israel, even in the face of disagreements
    

  
  STATEMENT FROM THE JEWISH COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL ON THE GAZA FLOTILLA INCIDENT

  The Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis grieves the loss of life due to the violence instigated by those on board the Mavi Marmara on May 31st.

  Unfortunately, groups supposedly bringing "aid" to the people of Gaza have a history of using purported acts of humanitarianism as cover for weapons smuggling – and Israel has a responsibility to defend its citizens from the consequences of such illicit transfer of arms. Israel’s repeated offers to, after a security inspection, deliver the shipment of humanitarian aid by land, were rejected by those aboard the Mavi Marmara. The other five vessels responded peacefully and were escorted unharmed to Israel, where the humanitarian aid they carried could be transferred by land. Video footage clearly shows a premeditated attack on Israeli soldiers, with use of metal bars and other weapons. When the Israelis were attacked with force, they were left with no choice but to defend themselves.

  We reaffirm the need to address the larger tragedy of the region caused by Hamas’ efforts to, in the short term, delegitimize Israel and in the long term, eliminate Israel. Our hearts go out to the people of this troubled region. Hamas’ ongoing use of the Gaza strip, as an armed base from which to launch rocket attacks against Israeli citizens, obstructs Israeli and international efforts at bringing peace.

  The JCRC continues to fervently hope that those who have chosen actions designed to frustrate the cause of peace in the Middle East will join with those who desire peace and work for peace.

  POINTS TO SHARE ABOUT THE GAZA FLOTILLA INCIDENT:

• We deeply regret the loss of life and injuries sustained. All of the wounded are being treated in Israeli hospitals.
  
• Groups supposedly bringing "aid" to the people of Gaza have a history of using alleged acts of humanitarianism as cover for weapons smuggling - and Israel has every right to defend its own citizens from the consequences of such illicit transfer of arms.
  
• Israel gave numerous warnings to the activists not to proceed with their trip without first allowing the freight on their ships to be checked; Israel had repeatedly offered to allow the aid in as long as the activists handed it over to the army to be inspected. See video of Israeli naval personal issuing warnings to the Mavi Marmara.
  
• Those vessels that reacted peacefully to the operation were escorted unharmed to Israel, as was the case with previous vessels that tried to violate the maritime blockade.
  
• Video footage from an on-board news agency clearly shows a premeditated attack on Israeli soldiers, with use of iron bars and other weapons to assault the troops. See video
  
• Without the sustained attack on the troops, a non-violent intervention would have occurred. When they were attacked with force, they were left with no choice but defend themselves.
  
  OTHER RELEVANT POINTS:
  
  
• Those on board the Mavi Marmara were organized in part by IHH, an Islamist organization that has links to fundamentalist groups like Hamas and Al Qaeda. For more information about IHH click here
  
• Israel has said that it will deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it does on a regular basis. For more information about Israeli aid to Gaza click here.
  
• Although the Marvi Marmara was boarded in international waters, the intent of its passengers to enter the coastal area of Gaza was clear and undisputed. According to international maritime law, a sovereign nation need not wait until the line is unlawfully crossed when the intruders have made known their determination to cross the line.
  
• Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said this week: "If the ships reach Gaza it is a victory; if they are intercepted, it will be a victory too."
  
• Israel left Gaza in hopes of peace in 2005 and in return received more than 10,000 rockets and terrorist attacks in return.
  
  For more background please click here.
  For up to date information as of June 2, 2010 click here
  For up to date information as of June 4, 2010 click here
  
  Read a Letter to the Editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch written by Gerry Greiman, JCRC President and Batya Abramson-Goldstein, JCRC Executive Director - click here