JCRC Statement
February 28, 2026
The following is a statement from Ron Halber, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington.
“For more than 40 years, as the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism, Iran has undermined the strategic interests of America and its allies in the Middle East and around the world. It has destabilized the entire region through its nonstop pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. For decades, directly and through its proxies, Iran has launched terrorist attacks that have killed thousands of American and Israeli servicemembers and civilians.
“At the same time, Iran’s authoritarian and fanatical leaders have ruled their nation with an iron fist, repressing their own citizens for generations. They routinely massacre their own people at every turn simply for bravely seeking freedom, civil rights, and economic opportunity. In just the past few weeks, Iran killed thousands of their own civilians for speaking out against the regime.
“We appreciate the Trump Administration’s diligence in pursuing a diplomatic solution to the Iranian threat over the past several weeks, and we continue to hold out hope that a peace agreement can ultimately be negotiated and secured that removes the need for military engagement.
“The elimination of Iran’s deadliest weapons capabilities is a goal that every nation should share and support. We salute the courageous members of the US military and Israel Defense Forces who are putting their own lives at risk to protect millions of other people.
“We have seen over the past few years how animosity and unfounded charges toward Israel have sparked an unprecedented surge of antisemitic attacks in our region and throughout the United States. Amid this military campaign, JCRC will remain in close contact with local officials and law enforcement in the DMV to ensure that Jewish families and institutions are protected.
“We hope that this military campaign will lay the groundwork for a lasting peace. And we pray for the soldiers who are leading this mission.”