San Diego Civic and Religious Leaders React to Attack on Israel

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria and the city's Jewish leaders expressed sorrow over the death of Ofir Liebstein, the mayor of Shar'ar Hanegev, San Diego's sister city in Israel, after news of Liebstein's death in the Hamas attack.

"This morning I learned of the death of Mayor Ofir Liebstein. He led Shar'ar Hanegev in southern Israel and was killed defending his community. San Diego is a sister city of Shar'ar Hanegev and there are deep connections between our two cities," Gloria posted on X. SEE PHOTO BELOW

Mayor Gloria also issued the following statement condemning the Hamas terrorist attacks and expressing solidarity with the people of Israel and Jews around the world:

“San Diego stands with the people of Israel in the wake of today’s horrific terrorist attacks and condemns Hamas in the strongest possible terms. “With the support of our Jewish community, our city has fostered strong ties with Israel. Our hearts are with the families of the innocent civilians killed in the attacks and all those in our own community suffering the agony of waiting for news of loved ones in danger.

County Supervisor Reacts

Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer issued this statement following the attacks on Israel: “As a person of Jewish descent, the attacks on Israel have been hard for me, my family, and my community. In my conversations with family and friends, I have found it difficult to express exactly how I am feeling, but it is safe to say that shock, sadness and anger are all emotions that have washed over me today.” 

San Diego Republican Congressman Darrell Issa Statement

Israel is at war. Our ally is today the victim of a deadly and unprovoked terror attack from Hamas that has claimed dozens of innocent lives within its homeland. “As throughout its 75 year history, another battle within Israel’s borders is now joined. America will stand with its friend, ally, and partner in every way and see Israel through another fight for its survival. "Israel — the democracy of the Middle East — must win. "Hamas — a cancer of the Middle East — must lose."

San Diego Rabbi Reacts:

"We are all gravely, gravely concerned and worried" said Devorah Marcus, senior rabbi at Temple Emanu-El, said. She told NBC 7, “We are hoping that as soon as we are able to, we will do a community leaders visit and that we will be on the planes to go see our friends.” WATCH INTERVIEW:

(Photo Getty Images)