Hispanic Federation Statement on Israel-Gaza Conflict
For Immediate Release: October 18, 2023
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
The following statement is attributed to Hispanic Federation President and CEO Frankie Miranda:
“It has been a little more than a week since Hamas launched its horrific and unconscionable attack against Israel. During that time, we have seen terrible images of suffering and cruelty. As is often the case in wars, the immense majority of the victims are those who are least able to defend themselves: children, pregnant women, the sick, the elderly. The unimaginable devastation in Gaza in the following days illustrates the consequences of the destructive spiral of violence into which we have descended. We pray for the violence to stop.
“Latino communities know all too well the costs of the terror and reprisal cycle. Many of our national histories are pockmarked with brutal attacks against civilians, denial of basic human rights, and disregard for the sanctity of human life. Our collective historical experiences teach us that it is impossible to end the spiral of violence until we see the humanity in each other. The political solutions to this crisis are complex and we have no illusion that peace and justice will come easily. But the warring parties can take important steps toward peace and justice by releasing all hostages, allowing for immediate relief to reach those on the verge of starvation, guaranteeing safe passage for refugees, and halting any and all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.
“Here at home, we can also do our part to support peace efforts. Even before this most recent spate of violence, we have watched with great alarm the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia in our country. In 2018, we were heartbroken by the horrific shootings at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. In the last week, inflamed emotions have again turned dangerous words into deadly deeds. The senseless murder of six-year-old Wadea Al-Fayoume in Illinois is a painful reminder that hate-filled rhetoric can produce unimaginable suffering. At this moment of global crisis, we must reaffirm our national commitment to religious and political plurality. No individual should ever be targeted or harmed because of their religion or ethnicity.
Our work at Hispanic Federation has always been about strengthening communities. That work isn’t limited to Latino communities. We stand in solidarity with those suffering in Israel and Gaza and with Jewish, Palestinian, and Muslim communities everywhere. Their losses are our losses.”
About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 40 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
