NEW YORK -- The World Jewish Congress extended its condolences to the leaders of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates on Monday, expressing solidarity with both nations as they continue to face Iranian missile and drone attacks that have killed and wounded civilians across the Gulf. The letters addressed respectively to King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the UAE, come as the conflict enters the third full week.
Writing to King Hamad, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder, together with WJC Executive Vice President Maram Stern and Africa-Australia Jewish Congress Chair Mary Kluk, described the strikes as an assault reaching far beyond any single nation: "These acts of aggression are not merely an assault on Bahrain alone, but the stability of the entire region and the principles of coexistence." The letter praised the "composure and resolve" of the King and his people, adding: "The dignity with which your nation has responded to this tragedy reflects the strength of your leadership and the resilience of your citizens."
In the letter to Sheikh Mohamed, the WJC senior leaders offered parallel words of support, calling the UAE's ordeal "a direct assault on the order, the openness, and the spirit of coexistence that the UAE has worked so hard to build and defend." The letter expressed "profound admiration for the steadiness and strength of leadership" demonstrated by the Emirati president throughout the crisis.
In the correspondence to both leaders, the WJC was unequivocal in its broader position, stating that Iran "cannot be treated as a normal member of the international community" while it continues to repress its own people and export terror across the region.
The Jewish Council of the Emirates (JCE) and the Jewish Community of the Kingdom of Bahrain are the local affiliates of the World Jewish Congress.
