Statement from Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) at Jewish Community Relations Council of NY Rally in support of Operation Protective Edge

Press Contact: Mike Morosi (202) 225-7944

“Today we’re sending a message that Israel has our support as it defends itself and its people.

Over the last few days, hundreds of missiles have fallen within Israel.  Hamas is a terrorist organization – and they’re living up to that description – Israelis are literally living in terror. The targets aren’t military – they’re civilians.  Schools, homes, day care centers, gas stations. 

Hamas is using long-range missiles that are reaching areas of Israel that used to be inaccessible to their missiles.  And its literal rain of terror is striking in areas that used to be safe.

No country can sit idly by while its neighbor hurls missiles over the border.  No people can tolerate being used for target practice.  Israel had to act. 

Hamas is showing once again that their goal is to destroy Israel.  Their missiles aren’t aimed at settlements – at disputed areas; they’re hitting cities within the green line – areas that have always clearly been part of Israel. 

The death toll doesn’t begin to tell the real story.  This started with the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli children.  Let no one forget that.  These were young boys on their way home from school.  They weren’t soldiers.  They were kids.

And today, when we hear that Hamas missiles aren’t killing people – that isn’t because they aren’t deadly. Israel has invested in a defense system that is working  - Iron Dome and bomb shelters are doing their jobs – Iron Dome has reportedly intercepted over 100 rockets heading toward civilian areas. 

But, hundreds of people have been injured or treated for shock.  Families are living in fear.  Children have seconds to run for a shelter or they’ll be killed.  An older woman had a heart attack and perished as she ran for safety.  A gas station was blown up in Ashdod. 

As Americans, we understand that Israel is the only Democracy in the Middle East – that if Hamas lay down its weapons there’d be peace, but if Israel lays down its weapons there would be a massacre and an end to Israel.  So we’re here to stand with Israelis as they fight, once again, for survival.”