Following the horrific acts of violence perpetrated against the people of Israel by Hamas terrorists, the Young Democrats of Oregon Caucus issues the following statement reaffirming our solidarity with Israel and our Jewish brothers and sisters in Oregon and around the world, and our condemnation of Hamas and their acts of terrorism:

The Young Democrats of Oregon Caucus unequivocally denounces the horrific acts of violence perpetrated against the people of Israel by Hamas terrorists, whose stated purpose is the slaughtering of Jews, which was timed to occur exactly 50 years after the attacks that started the devastating Yom Kippur War in Israel, and on Simchat Torah, one of the most joyful holidays in Judaism. This attack marked the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

We support President Biden’s swift actions in ensuring that the United States does everything possible to assist Israel in defending its country and its people against such atrocities. There can never be any justification for such violence. Hamas’s murderous actions must be met with unequivocal condemnation.

“All of us recognize the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and support equal measures of justice and freedom for Israelis and Palestinians alike. But make no mistake: Hamas does not represent those aspirations, and it offers nothing for the Palestinian people other than more terror and bloodshed,” said a Joint Statement issued by the White House.

“Let us commit… to demonstrate the same resilience and resolve that has carried us through the ages, confident in our knowledge that we will prevail. And the terrorists will never win,” said U.S Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), who spoke at Congregation Neveh Shalom in Portland on Monday night.

“This attack has shaken the sense of security of the Jewish community in Oregon and across our nation. Please know that I am resolute in my commitment to stand in partnership with the Jewish community to repel anti-Semitism and promote a safe, welcoming state for every Oregonian,” said Oregon Democratic Governor Tina Kotek.

“Antisemitism is treated by many of my fellow progressives as a second class of bigotry - excusable or even dismissed. But the Jewish people will continue to be proud of who we are. Jews are raised in a culture of family. An attack on any Jew is felt by us all, and we are resilient. Am Yisrael Chai. The Jewish people live,” said Democratic Party of Oregon Secretary and former Young Democrats of Oregon Caucus Officer Nathan Soltz.

Looking ahead, the Young Democrats of Oregon Caucus is committed to following our federal delegation while listening to and working with our Jewish friends and neighbors as we identify ways to better support the Jewish community.

In the meantime, we continue to pray for peace and security for the people of Israel, for the safe return of hostages, for all who suffer from war and bloodshed, and for our friends and family during this difficult time.

Consider checking out these organizations if you are interested in learning ways to support:

The Jewish Federation of Greater Portland has set a $1,000,000 goal for their Israel Emergency Fund that would support critical services for trauma relief, financial assistance, and needed supplies. The Stern Family has made a $500,000 matching challenge grant towards this effort. Double your impact here.

This could become a long war and there will be much disinformation. To stay informed, one reliable independent English-language news source, recommended by Congregation Beth Israel, is The Times of Israel.

Check out some verified resources for critical on-the-ground support:

Check-in with your Jewish friends, support them, and speak out against antisemitism.