In response to the barrage of rocket fire from the Gaza Strip into Be'er Sheva, Tel Aviv and Ashdod in recent days, Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President-elect of the Union for Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
"We unequivocally condemn the launching of rockets into Israel by terrorist groups in the Gaza Strip. We are deeply saddened by the physical and emotional injuries sustained by those who have been terrorized and wounded by the attacks. We pray for strength for all those affected and their families. Beyond the tragic human toll taken by the attacks, this violation on a sovereign country's borders and the continued rejection of Israel's right to exist by its neighbor is outrageous.
"We call on all who oppose violence, no matter where they live, to join in our condemnation of these attacks and make it clear that rockets from Gaza are not the path to peace."