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Milwaukee Jewish Federation on war in Israel
The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday, retaliating against Hamas. The Milwaukee Jewish Federation spoke to FOX6 News.
MILWAUKEE - The Israeli government formally declared war Sunday, retaliating against Hamas for a surprise attack from the Gaza Strip.
It's a conflict being felt across the world and in the U.S. – including in Milwaukee.
"Right now, just expressing their support means a lot. This is the largest attack that we've ever seen on Israel, and it was an attack on civilians," Miryam Rosenzweig, Milwaukee Jewish Federation's president and CEO, said of U.S. support. "Just knowing that they're not alone, and that we're watching out, is really important to the people of Israel."
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Later Sunday, the Pentagon ordered the USS Gerald R. Ford carrier strike group to sail to the Eastern Mediterranean to be ready to assist Israel, two U.S. officials said.
"We saw very strong statements of support yesterday from both the American government, many governments in Europe," Rosenzweig said. "I think they know that we are looking at the only democracy in the Middle East, and that Israel is an ally to many of the countries around, and that the perpetrators were a terrorist group – designated terrorist group by the United States government."
Israel declares war: US sending strike team to Eastern Mediterranean
Israel's security cabinet voted to officially go to war for the first time since 1973: The US is sending strike teams to assist.
The conflict passed 900 dead and thousands wounded on both sides.
"I think it's in the interest of the entire region to act rationally, to react in a way that works with our diplomats, works with each other," Rosenzweig said. "This isn't a normal way to fight. This isn't about land – this is about inflicting pain."
Israeli's minister for strategic affairs said American citizens are among those taken captive by Hamas militants, but no further details were given.
"There is no reason that anyone needs a child as a hostage. There is no threat that a child has to anyone," said Rosenzweig. "People who were celebrating, we know that hundreds were hurt there, people staying in their homes...and...it's been a very sad and horrifying 48 hours."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.