The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia condemns the ICC’s unjust decision in issuing arrest warrants for Israel’s democratically elected leaders and defense officials, who for 14 months have been fighting a war they did not start or want in response to Hamas’ unprovoked attack. This decision shows that the ICC has no qualms in equating terrorists who target civilians with democratic states that employ legal frameworks and infrastructure to rightfully defend themselves against the flow of missiles and rockets that continue to terrorize its citizens and have forced tens of thousands of innocents to evacuate their homes for over a year. 

By targeting Israel, the ICC—to which the U.S. and Israel are not signatories—has shown that Jews and the Jewish state are held to a different standard than the rest of the world. That is blatant antisemitism, and the court should work to immediately rescind these warrants. Hamas has the power to end this conflict by ensuring the safe release of the 101 hostages still being held captive in Gaza.

About the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Since 1901, the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia has served as the hub of the region’s Jewish communities, providing an infrastructure of support for Jewish people and organizations in need. Through grants, emergency funding, restricted gifts, endowments, and our partnership with the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, we annually invest in caring for those in need, combating antisemitism and global crisis, and securing a vibrant Jewish future. For more information, please visit: jewishphilly.org