New Haven, CT
Home MenuNews List
Message from the Mayor: Standing in solidarity with Israel against Hamas
Post Date:10/12/2023 10:55 AM
Dear Neighbors,
First, I wanted to start by recognizing the grief that so many in our community are feeling as we've watched the horrific and barbaric terrorist attacks that have been perpetrated by Hamas in Israel.
To date, over 1,200 innocent civilians have been killed in Israel, including at least 22 Americans citizens – and the death toll continues to rise. Thousands more have been wounded. Others have been kidnapped and subjected to other horrors.
To those in the Jewish community in New Haven, I want to say that our city stands with you, we mourn with you and we pray with you for the safety of your loved ones that are still in harm’s way. I was proud to stand in solidarity with members of the Jewish community and other New Haveners on Monday evening at a gathering hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.
There are many things people can disagree about, but one thing we must always universally and unequivocally condemn is terrorism – whether against Israelis, Palestinians, Americans or any other group of people.
So, let’s be clear: Hamas is a terrorist organization. Their stated purpose is the elimination of the State of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. Their cause is evil, their tactics are heinous and their disregard for human life is deplorable. They are not freedom fighters and, just like ISIS, Hamas should be dismantled and destroyed.
Further, Hamas’ actions do not benefit the Palestinian people and are to the detriment of all those in the region who want to live in freedom, dignity and peace. There are innocent Palestinians who are now dying and suffering in light of Hamas’ recent acts of terror.
Let’s also be clear that condemning terrorism, denouncing hate and standing with Israel and the Jewish people in their time of need does not discount or ignore the broader, complex and longstanding conflict in the region. You can speak out against acts of terror inflicted on innocent people and also continue to speak in favor and support of a just and lasting peace. We can and should all be united in both of these aims.
Finally, while there are many who fear, as I do, on what the future holds in the coming days, weeks and months, ultimately, we all continue to hope and pray for a lasting end to this conflict and a just peace. We also collectively recommit ourselves to the work of tikkun olam – repairing the world – and striving to make it a place where peace, freedom, justice, equality and opportunity are everyone’s future and birthright.
Always serving you,
Justin Elicker
Mayor | City of New Haven
Return to full list >>First, I wanted to start by recognizing the grief that so many in our community are feeling as we've watched the horrific and barbaric terrorist attacks that have been perpetrated by Hamas in Israel.
To date, over 1,200 innocent civilians have been killed in Israel, including at least 22 Americans citizens – and the death toll continues to rise. Thousands more have been wounded. Others have been kidnapped and subjected to other horrors.
To those in the Jewish community in New Haven, I want to say that our city stands with you, we mourn with you and we pray with you for the safety of your loved ones that are still in harm’s way. I was proud to stand in solidarity with members of the Jewish community and other New Haveners on Monday evening at a gathering hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven.
There are many things people can disagree about, but one thing we must always universally and unequivocally condemn is terrorism – whether against Israelis, Palestinians, Americans or any other group of people.
So, let’s be clear: Hamas is a terrorist organization. Their stated purpose is the elimination of the State of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. Their cause is evil, their tactics are heinous and their disregard for human life is deplorable. They are not freedom fighters and, just like ISIS, Hamas should be dismantled and destroyed.
Further, Hamas’ actions do not benefit the Palestinian people and are to the detriment of all those in the region who want to live in freedom, dignity and peace. There are innocent Palestinians who are now dying and suffering in light of Hamas’ recent acts of terror.
Let’s also be clear that condemning terrorism, denouncing hate and standing with Israel and the Jewish people in their time of need does not discount or ignore the broader, complex and longstanding conflict in the region. You can speak out against acts of terror inflicted on innocent people and also continue to speak in favor and support of a just and lasting peace. We can and should all be united in both of these aims.
Finally, while there are many who fear, as I do, on what the future holds in the coming days, weeks and months, ultimately, we all continue to hope and pray for a lasting end to this conflict and a just peace. We also collectively recommit ourselves to the work of tikkun olam – repairing the world – and striving to make it a place where peace, freedom, justice, equality and opportunity are everyone’s future and birthright.
Always serving you,
Justin Elicker
Mayor | City of New Haven