US Jews Urge Israel to Ensure Food Reaches Gaza in 2025 Crisis

With the Gaza humanitarian crisis intensifying, many American Jews are urging Israel to ensure that food and medicine reach civilians. This marks a major shift, as even historically pro-Israel organizations are now publicly voicing concern.

Jewish Groups Speak Out on Gaza Aid

The American Jewish Committee reaffirmed support for Israel’s fight against Hamas but also expressed “deep concern” about worsening hunger in Gaza. The group urged increased coordination to deliver aid.

Similarly, the Rabbinical Assembly, representing Conservative rabbis, emphasized that “the Israeli government must do everything in its power to ensure humanitarian aid reaches those in need.”

This shift extends to the Orthodox Union, where executive vice president Rabbi Moshe Hauer expressed sorrow and frustration. He noted Israel’s military is striving to minimize harm but criticized those who ignore Hamas’ role in the suffering.

Reform Movement Calls for Moral Responsibility

The Reform Jewish Movement, representing the largest Jewish denomination in the U.S., issued a strong statement. While condemning Hamas, the group stated:

“Israel must not sacrifice its own moral standing. No one should ignore the pervasive hunger of thousands in Gaza.”

Rabbis Join Protests, Demand Change

Jewish clergy have taken action. At Temple Sinai in Washington, D.C., Rabbi Jon Roos and others signed a letter urging Israel to allow “extensive humanitarian aid.” Over 1,000 rabbis joined this call, declaring:

“We cannot condone the mass killings of civilians or the use of starvation as a weapon of war.”

In Minnesota, Rabbi Aaron Weininger echoed that sentiment. He wrote that supporting both Israeli and Palestinian dignity strengthens Zionism rather than weakens it.

Arrests and Civil Disobedience

On July 29, over two dozen rabbis were arrested during a sit-in at the office of Senate Majority Leader John Thune. The protest, led by Rabbis for Ceasefire, called for immediate U.S. intervention to pressure Israel on aid delivery.

Rabbi Alissa Wise stated:

“All life is sacred. Palestinian lives must be treated as such.”

Rising Dissent and Denial

Not all responses were supportive. Rep. Randy Fine, a Jewish congressman, sparked backlash after dismissing the Gaza food crisis as “a lie.” He wrote, “Until the hostages are released, starve away.”

Conservative outlets like The Jewish Voice and Jewish News Syndicate have echoed claims that Hamas hoards aid and that Israel’s critics ignore this.

Mitchell Bard, director of the American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise, argued in a column that U.S. Jews should show “solidarity, not sanctimony.”

A Broader Shift Among US Jews

Rabbi Andrue Kahn, of the American Council for Judaism, noted a wider awakening. “The dam is breaking. More Jews across the spectrum are speaking out,” he said.

This growing movement reflects a moral reckoning among American Jews. As the images from Gaza become harder to ignore, the calls for action — even from within Israel’s strongest base of support — are only growing louder.

Source: AP News