Together with our fellow Jews around the world, we pause this evening and tomorrow to recall with deep sorrow the Israeli soldiers and civilians killed in war and in terrorist attacks since the founding of the State. Before we turn to celebrating the great miracle and blessing of Israel's birth, we stand in silence and in solidarity with the Israeli people who have again been made to fear for their lives. In the last several days over 700 rockets were fired by terrorists from Gaza into Israel. Many of our Israeli rabbis and their congregations, along with all Israelis, have had their lives disrupted by this most recent barrage of rocket fire.
	We mourn the deaths of four Israeli civilians killed by Hamas rockets. We extend our sincerest condolences to their families and pray for the full and speedy recovery of those who are wounded. As people of faith, we also mourn for all loss of life, including those who died in Gaza.
	We stand in solidarity with Israel. We believe in Israel’s unequivocal right to defend herself against these vicious attacks. We are grateful for the U.S.-funded Iron Dome defense system that has successfully shielded Israelis from many hundreds of incoming missiles. May God protect all of Israel, and the members of the Israel Defense Forces.
	As we approach Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days later this week, we welcome news of a ceasefire. We amplify the sentiments in Israel’s Declaration of Independence which states, “We offer peace and neighborliness to all the neighboring states and their peoples.” And we pray that Palestinian leaders accept this offer of peace and cease their hostilities.
	May God in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel, protect her and spread over her Your canopy of peace.
		Rabbinical Assembly
		The Cantors Assembly
		The Jewish Educators Assembly
		The Jewish Theological Seminary
		Jewish Youth Directors Association
		Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs
		The Masorti Foundation
		Masorti Israel
		Masorti Olami
		Mercaz Olami
		Mercaz USA
		North American Association of Synagogue Executives (NAASE)
		Schechter Institutes
		Seminario Rabínico Latinoamericano
		United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
		Women’s League for Conservative Judaism
		Zacharias Frankel College
		Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
