JCRC Statement
June 13, 2025
The following is a statement from Guila Franklin Siegel, chief operating officer of the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Washington.
“The JCRC of Greater Washington unequivocally supports Israel’s right and responsibility to defend itself against Iran. A nuclear-armed Iran would present an existential threat to Israel and put millions of lives at risk. We salute the courage and bravery of the Israel Defense Forces who at this very moment are protecting the entire world.
“As a state sponsor of terrorism for more than 40 years, Iran has made no secret of its intention and effort to wipe Israel off the map. The Hamas terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023 — the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust — was directly funded by Iran. Rather than using its resources to support a better quality of life for its own people, the Iranian government has also funded numerous proxies, from Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen, to help carry out its deadly aims against the Jewish state. Eliminating Iran’s deadliest weapons capabilities would make the Middle East more stable and secure, and help lay the groundwork for a lasting peace in the region.
“We deeply appreciate Administration officials and members of Congress from both parties who have publicly rallied to Israel’s side during this moment of peril. Strong statements of support from US policymakers should be backed by any additional resources Israel needs to successfully execute its military campaign. While we ultimately hope for a peaceful resolution to this conflict through diplomacy, U.S. military support for Israel must not waver.
“We remain in close contact with local policymakers and law enforcement officials throughout the capital region to ensure the safety and security of Jewish families and institutions. All too often in recent years, we have seen anti-Israel ideology fuel antisemitic attacks in our area; that is never acceptable. Alongside our partners, we are committed to ensuring that our communities remain safe.
“All nations have a vested interest in the success of Israel’s Operation Rising Lion. Our community stands in complete solidarity with the Israeli people, and we pray for the day when the entire Middle East can live in peace. Am Yisrael Chai.”