Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion addressed the Besheva conference in New York on Sunday, stating, "We know that victory isn't just on the battlefield; victory chooses life."
Speaking at the Jerusalem conference of 'Besheva' group in *New York, Lion thanked New York City Mayor Eric Adams for his unwavering support during the challenging times Israel has faced since October 7th.
Lion continued, "Israel is still under the shadow of a terrible war. One hundred and twenty-five of our brothers and sisters are cruelly held hostage by the enemy. We call for their immediate release and pray for it, and the whole world must do everything in its power to bring them home now! When history looks back on these days, many things will be remembered, but above all, the great resilience of the Jewish people. I am so proud of the people of Jerusalem. In the past month, Jerusalem has opened its gates to 10,000 Israeli citizens from the north and south who were forced to leave their homes because of the war. We provided housing and comfort for them. Schools have created many new classes for numerous new students. We also assisted our brothers and sisters with clothes and food for their babies. Many families have lost their loved ones, sons, husbands, mothers, sisters, daughters, who were called to serve in the army. The impact on the city has been significant."
Mayor Lion concluded, saying, "Many businesses have had to change their workplace, and there have been very few tourists. As I said, we are strong, and Jerusalem is strong and resilient. We were able to handle these challenges. I have good news: we continue to build Jerusalem throughout the entire city for all communities, in academia, education, sports, music, culture, and Jerusalem is not waiting for the war to end. We know that victory is not just on the battlefield; victory chooses life. As we've said many times, Am Yisrael Chai! Yes, we choose life."
Richy Taylor, Deputy Chief NYPD, stated at jerusalem conference this evening, "we are taking tremendous measures to fight antisemitism". The statement was made during an interview with Inbal Buskila at the third annual conference of "Besheva".
We're enduring tough times, with antisemitism persisting as an age-old issue. Mayor Eric Adams addressed the tragic situation of hostages separated from their families on October 10th, emphasizing the need for Middle East peace, starting with hostage release. When questioned about continuing the Israeli traditional parade post-October 7th events, many wondered how. Our response was resolute: "how not?!' Jews won't be denied their right to march.
"Reflecting on the parade as a young student, pre-bar mitzvah, I witnessed its beauty. New York boasts strong leadership and a reliable police force, crucial for our community's well-being." Regarding NYPD's plans to combat antisemitism, Deputy Chief Richy Taylor highlighted the surge in antisemitic attacks since October 7th, predominantly non-violent, manifesting as graffiti and swastikas, often by young or mentally unstable individuals. We're implementing robust measures, including eighth-grade visits to the Holocaust Museum, enlightening thousands on Jewish heritage and the insidious nature of hate symbols like the swastika.
He added, "Many perpetrators seek attention, oblivious to the harm caused. However, through our vigilance, we confront and address nearly every hate crime in the city."
Minister Amichai Chikli at Besheva Conference in New York: "We have no other choice; we must continue the war and defeat Hamas. We must bring back the hostages – it is our moral duty as the Jewish people, but we must also look to the future of our children."
On the U.S. proposal for a hostage deal: "The current deal proposes a six-week ceasefire without knowing the fate of the hostages – this is not a deal, it's a joke."
Regarding the younger generation in the U.S.: "There is still 72% support for a ground operation in Rafah among the American public. You cannot escape your Jewish identity in America 2024; it will haunt you." These remarks were made by Minister of Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli in an interview with journalist Yoni Kempinski at the third Jerusalem Conference of the B'Sheva Group in New York.
When asked where we stand as the world, including the U.S., pressures us to a deal and withdrawal from Gaza, Minister Chikli responded: "We have no other choice; we must continue the war and defeat Hamas. We must bring back the hostages – it is our moral duty as the Jewish people, but we must also look to the future of our children. Certain conditions are unacceptable – ending the war while Hamas is still in power, militarily and politically, is impossible."
He added: "If we blink, if we relax, we will bring upon ourselves more massacres and wars. Our answer is to be strong. Strong! Do not surrender! What is at stake is the future of the Jewish people. The current deal proposes a six-week ceasefire without knowing the fate of the hostages – this is not a deal, it's a joke. Nazi Germany, Japan surrendered on their knees, and that's what needs to be done to Hamas – eliminate Sinwar in Gaza as well as Hamas leaders in the jacuzzi in Doha."
Minister Chikli further stated: "We have a challenge with the younger generation in America. As the age in America decreases, so does the support for Israel. However, there is still 72% support for a ground operation in Rafah among the American public. The war is much broader than the Israeli focus; it is a global war against jihad as well as against radical Marxist progressivism in the world, which have joined forces. The opportunity lies with the young Jewish generation in America. You cannot escape your Jewish identity in America 2024; it will haunt you, and I propose the Zionist solution – fight back with pride and strength, and I am optimistic about the expanding circles of participation and awakening among more and more Jews. It is not our role to judge Jews who chose to live in the diaspora. I wish everyone success; our role is to strengthen Jewish identity and present the possibility of aliyah."
