Jewish groups stood in solidarity with U.S. military forces and Afghan civilians killed in two terror attacks in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Thursday.
“We are devastated by the horrifying terror attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport that took the lives of 13 U.S. service members and scores of Afghans, and maimed countless more,” said Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations chair Dianne Lob, Chair, CEO William Daroff and vice chair Malcolm Hoenlein.
“We stand in solidarity with our fellow Americans amidst this crisis, and we pray that no more blood is shed during the ongoing evacuation,” they said.
“Our soldiers died in service to our country and its values—shielding civilians and assisting them to safety, even at the risk of their own lives. They were heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, as they fulfilled their duty to ‘protect and defend,’ ” said Agudath Israel of America.
“Deadliest day for US troops in #Afghanistan in a decade,” American Jewish Committee CEO David Harris posted on Twitter. “They gave their lives for something bigger than themselves. They represent the ultimate meaning of valor & sacrifice. The tears flow.”
The Anti-Defamation League wrote, “Deeply upsetting to learn of the deaths of several US service members and Afghan civilians killed in today’s attack at Kabul airport. We pray not only for the families of those lost to today’s violence but for the safe passage of all those seeking their way out of Afghanistan.”