May 12, 2021

As we watch the devastating events taking place in Israel, our hearts break for the lost lives, the fear, and the senseless attacks on civilians. The American Friends of Tel Aviv University team stands in solidarity with our colleagues and friends in Tel Aviv and all citizens of Israel. We are one people, and we are praying for quiet and a cessation of hostilities.

Tel Aviv and its surrounding areas have been in the line of fire and experienced a night of sirens and sleeping in bomb shelters. The Iron Dome anti-missile system provides protection for the home front, but no system is totally impenetrable, and Israelis are facing considerable danger. We condemn the attacks on Israel and innocent civilians.

An insightful report on the current situation can be seen in this briefing from the Jewish Agency with former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren, who spoke on Tuesday afternoon. Today at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time, the Israeli Consulate in New York will hold an emergency briefing describing the unfolding events. Speakers include: Israel Nitzan, acting Consul General of Israel in NY; a spokesperson from the IDF; and Reverend Jacques DeGraff. You can click here to register in advance for today’s briefing.

We are following the events in Israel closely. We send prayers and well wishes for the safety and peace of all Israelis. We hope the attacks will stop soon and there will be no more senseless loss of life.

Jennifer Gross
Chief Executive Officer
American Friends of Tel Aviv University