By Chris Jennewein, Times of San Diego, a member of the San DIego Online News Association

Photo:  Rep. Sara Jacobs speaks on the House floor this week. Screenshot from video

November 20, 2023 (Washington, D.C.) - Rep. Sara Jacobs on Saturday criticized plans by Israel to expand the war against Hamas terrorists into southern Gaza, calling instead for a bilateral ceasefire and release of Israeli hostages.

Officials in Europe, Canada, and the U.S. have attempted to "backtrack" on the widespread unconditional support that's been expressed in the last week for Israel's assault on Gaza.

By Julia Conley, Common Dreams

Reprinted under a Creative Commons license from Common Dreams

Photo, left: Bombing in Gaza,  Al Araby cc by SA 3.0

October 16, 2023 (Israel) - The United Nations special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories expressed concern on Sunday that the international body has so far not publicly advocated for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, as rhetoric from the United States and other influential countries has offered tacit approval of an Israeli air campaign in the blockaded enclave where at least 2,670 Palestinians, including more than 700 children, have now been killed.

View video of President Joe Biden’s speech

By Miriam Raftery

October 10, 2023 (Washington D.C.) – President Joe Biden today delivered a forceful speech pledging full support for Israel against the attacks by Hamas, which the president called “pure evil.” Biden promised that the U.S. is surging assets to Israel, including ammunition and receptors to replenish Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system, as well as sending the USS Gerald Ford air force carrier to the region.  

He also announced plans to ask Congress to take urgent action as soon as Congress reconvenes (after the House elects a speaker). Biden also said he has consulted with European leaders to forge a united response. In addition, he spoke of beefing up security for Jewish centers in the U.S. and assured that the FBI and Homeland Security are on the alert for any potential domestic terror threats.

“There is no justification for terrorism,” the President said, then offered this message to the Palestinian people. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people, They use Palestinian people as human shields. Hamas offers nothing but terror and bloodshed with no regard for who pays the price.”

The President detailed atrocities reportedly committed by Hamas, which he likened to ISIS, including slaughtering babies, grandparents, and young people at a music festival, raping women and parading them through the street, as well as taking hostages including Americans.

By Miriam Raftery

October 7, 2023 (San Diego) – The San Diego Jewish Federation today announced that the attacks by Hamas on Israel including in Sha’ar HaNegev, San Diego’s sister city, has had “terrible consequences…Our dear friend, Mayor Ofir Libstein z”l’ was killed in a gun battle with Hamas terrorists early this morning.”

The SDJF has launched a fundraising drive to help families impactedin Sha’arHaNegev, and assures, “We are assessing the situation in partnership with the leadership of the municipality and will make sure all dollars donated go directly to the areas of greatest need.” You can learn more or donate at https://www.jewishinsandiego.org/.