The prospect of Middle East peace was shattered by the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks that saw the slaughter of many Jews including babies, adults and the elderly in Israel by the terrorist group Hamas, which controls Gaza where millions of Palestinians live.
Now with Israel’s military response to that attack, thousands of innocent men, women and children are being killed because Hamas members are embedded in the community within schools, hospitals and churches.
Caribbean politicians in New York, by and large, have lent their full support to Israel and have strongly condemned the horrific killing of so many innocent Jews.
Recently, Caribbean-American Democratic Congress Member Yvette D. Clarke said that she remained “devastated” by the “wanton loss of life,” the death and injury of innocent people, and those being tortured and held captive in the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East.
“I wholeheartedly condemn the Hamas attacks on Israel and the escalating violence that has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent women, children and men in Gaza,” said Clarke. “I join my colleagues in calling for the immediate release of all hostages and the safe return of all American citizens in the region, including the hundreds of Palestinian-Americans stranded in Gaza.”
Clarke called on all elected officials, parents, teachers, members of the clergy and people of good will to stand together against the rise of hate and violence.
“We all have a role to play in making this world a greater, more peaceful world for our children and grandchildren to inherit,” Clarke added.
Brooklyn Democratic Council Member Mercedes Narcisse also expressed her concern for the devastating loss of lives on both sides of the conflict and the families affected.
“In this difficult time, it’s more important than ever to remember our shared humanity and the bonds that unite us, rather than the issues that divide us. I unequivocally condemn all forms of terrorism and violence, from wherever they emanate,” Narcisse added.
The Jewish and African-American communities in the United States have a long history of working together even though there were tensions at times. These communities have organized socially and politically to combat racism and anti-Semitism.
Jews in the U.S. have historically played an important role in the founding and funding of some of the most important civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC).
Now is the time for all to lend their full support in condemning the Oct. 7 attacks upon Israel, and working to achieve a lasting peace.
