The NSW Jewish Board of Deputies stands with Israel and her citizens on a very dark day for Israel and for Jews around the world. 

Yesterday, in a coordinated and unprovoked attack, the terrorist regime of Hamas declared war on Israel. Terrorists in large numbers infiltrated Israeli neighbourhoods and went house to house, slaughtering and torturing innocent Israeli civilians in their homes and on the streets.

Innocent men, women, children and the elderly have been brutally kidnapped and taken into captivity in terrorist tunnels in Gaza.

The gruesome images and videos of Hamas’ savagery are too shocking and distressing to share, and the mutilation of corpses is too depraved for words.

Rockets continue to be fired indiscriminately at Israeli communities.

We mourn the Israeli lives lost, pray for the welfare of all Israelis currently being held in captivity and hope for a speedy recovery for all those who have been wounded.

Israel deserves the full support of Australia and the international community as she defends herself against the evil and barbarity of Hamas.