Resource Page: Understanding the Israel-Hamas War
On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist organization, launched a large-scale assault on Israel, crossing the Gaza border and attacking civilian communities, military installations, and the Nova music festival. More than 1,200 people were killed, thousands were wounded, and over 240 individuals were taken hostage into Gaza - with 48 individuals still in captivity today.
October 7 was the deadliest single day for Jews since the Holocaust.
Israel has faced the ensuing war that continues to impact millions, while communities worldwide grapple with grief, fear, and uncertainty. The conflict has also intensified global conversations about Israel's security, regional stability, and the ongoing threat of antisemitism.
JCRC is committed to providing resources, action opportunities, and meaningful ways to support Israel, while continuing our work to strengthen Israel’s future through advocacy, interfaith partnerships, and civic engagement.
Stay informed by subscribing to JCRC's Israel Updates; our monthly Israel newsletter providing the latest news out of Israel, educational programs and other opportunities for action and engagement. In the event that timely or sensitive information regarding Israel needs to be dispersed, additional updates may be sent.
Understanding the Basics
What is Hamas?
Hamas is an Iranian-backed terrorist organization dedicated to Israel’s destruction, as stated in its charter. It embeds fighters and weapons in civilian areas—homes, schools, hospitals, and mosques—endangering both Israelis and Palestinians. After Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas seized control in 2007 and has ruled ever since. Israel and Egypt maintain a blockade to limit Hamas’s weapons supply. Click the learn about the Hamas Charter.
Does Israel have a right to defend itself?
Israel, a multiethnic, multiracial democracy, is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people and is home today to over 9 million Jews, Muslims, Christians, and Druze. In part, Israel was established to serve as a refuge for Jews fleeing antisemitism and persecution. Since Israel did not exist during the Holocaust, millions of European Jews had no place to go and were murdered by the Nazis and their collaborators. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1948, Israel has provided refuge for Jews from the Middle East, North Africa, Ethiopia, the former Soviet Union, and other troubled places where Jews faced persecution simply for being Jewish.
Every country’s first obligation is the safety of its citizens. This is as true for Israel as it is for our own country. The atrocities Hamas committed against the people of Israel are unforgivable and can never happen again.
- Because Hamas terrorists deliberately embed themselves within crowded neighborhoods and use civilians as human shields, Israel is being forced to take extraordinary measures to complete their mission of defeating Hamas while minimizing the loss of innocent Palestinian life.
- As is true with all wars, these measures are imperfect. However, in this war, which Israel did not choose but was forced by Hamas, Israel must do what any nation would do, including our own, to ensure the safety of its people.
Were Jews living in Israel before 1948?
Yes. Jewish communities have lived continuously in the Land of Israel for millennia, including in Jerusalem, Safed, Hebron, and Tiberias. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, waves of Jewish immigration (Aliyah) brought more Jews to the land, joining longstanding communities. By 1948, when Israel declared independence, the land already had a significant and growing Jewish population alongside Arab communities. This historical continuity underscores the Jewish people’s deep and enduring connection to the land.
Is Israel an apartheid state?
No. Israel is a diverse democracy where minorities have full citizenship, serve in the Knesset, Supreme Court, military, and professions such as medicine. The West Bank remains under disputed military administration with partial Palestinian self-rule, but Gaza has not been occupied since Israel’s full withdrawal in 2005. Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007.
Identifying & Countering Misinformation
Media bias, false reports, and misinformation move faster and with more complexity than ever before. If you’ve ever identified an inaccurate claim on social media, or, found yourself believing a viral claim that turns out to be false - you’re not alone.
We’ve gathered trusted resources that fact-check news, debunk inaccuracies, and provide practical tips on how to challenge misleading information when you see it.
Media Literacy Guide | What is Misinformation - News Literacy: A More Perfect Union Jewish Partnership for Democracy
HonestReporting.com - HonestReporting analyzes stories, articles, opinion pieces and images that appear in the media’s coverage of Israel, exposing and responding to inaccuracies or bias. Browse our homepage to see our latest critiques and features, both in written and video form.
Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) - CAMERA is a media-monitoring, research and membership organization devoted to promoting accurate and balanced coverage of Israel and the Middle East fostering rigorous reporting, while educating news consumers about Middle East issues and the role of the media.
Unraveling Media Bias: Five Questions to Ask When Reading Coverage of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, American Jewish Committee
Five Misconceptions about Israel Debunked, Hananaya Naftali
Calls to Action
How to Talk to Children about Israel
Partner Messages of Solidarity
After the October 7 attack, our allies and partners in our community came together to share their messages of solidarity and prayers. Though we were, and continue to be, heartbroken - these messages have filled us with hope.
