J Street Condemns Iranian Missile Attack, Jaffa Terror Attack – Calls for Immediate De-Escalation

October 1, 2024

J Street is deeply alarmed by, and unequivocally condemns, the terrifying ballistic missile attack launched by the Iranian government against Israel today. This reckless assault marks a dangerous and long-feared escalation in an already volatile situation.

This rocket barrage came minutes after at least 6 Israelis were murdered in a terror attack in Jaffa, underlining the violent, terrifying reality civilians have been living through. Our hearts are with the victims and their families.

We have been in close and constant contact with our staff, family and friends in the region, who are rattled but safe. This attack underscores the very real threat facing millions of Israeli civilians and millions of others across the region from further escalation.

We’re immensely grateful that Israel’s defense systems – bolstered by indispensable US funding and international coordination – successfully intercepted the majority of incoming missiles.

The risk of this moment cannot be overstated. The next steps taken will determine whether we are witnessing the beginning of a truly catastrophic regional war – one that could draw in US troops and put countless civilians in harm’s way.

We urge the Israeli government to carefully, cautiously and precisely calibrate its response, and President Biden to use all possible leverage to focus on diplomatic avenues designed to limit further escalation, stop a full-scale regional war, and prevent scenes like these from repeating in the coming days.