Jewish groups are offering their condolences and reactions after two explosions on August 26 near Hamd Kharzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, that killed at least 12 United States service members and at least 60 others.
One explosion took place just outside the airport and another took place at a nearby hotel. There are also reports of a third explosion that have yet to be confirmed. The dead U.S. service members include 11 Marines and one Navy medic; another 15 are wounded. At least 60 Afghans have also been killed in the explosions. The perpetrators are believed to be the Islamic State of Khorasan, also known as ISIS-K.
“Deeply upsetting to learn of the deaths of several US service members and Afghan civilians killed in today’s attack at Kabul airport,” the Anti-Defamation League tweeted. “We pray not only for the families of those lost to today’s violence, but for the safe passage of all those seeking their way out of Afghanistan.”
Deeply upsetting to learn of the deaths of several US service members and Afghan civilians killed in today’s attack at Kabul airport.
We pray not only for the families of those lost to today’s violence, but for the safe passage of all those seeking their way out of Afghanistan.
— ADL (@ADL) August 26, 2021
The American Jewish Committee also tweeted, “We are horrified by reports of a dual suicide bombing in Kabul that has claimed the lives of both Afghan civilians and U.S. service members. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this time.”
We are horrified by reports of a dual suicide bombing in Kabul that has claimed the lives of both Afghan civilians and U.S. service members.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families at this time.
— American Jewish Committee (@AJCGlobal) August 26, 2021
B’nai Brith International tweeted, “We are monitoring the aftermath of today’s horrific attack outside #Kabul_Airport, and the still developing situation in the Afghan capital. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of all those U.S. service members and Afghans killed and injured.”
We are monitoring the aftermath of today's horrific attack outside #Kabul_Airport, and the still developing situation in the Afghan capital.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones of all those U.S. service members and Afghans killed and injured. #HKIA
— B'nai B'rith Intl. (@BnaiBrith) August 26, 2021
Stop Antisemitism tweeted, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the [United States Marine Corps] that lost loved ones today in Afghanistan.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members of the @USMC that lost loved ones today in Afghanistan.
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) August 26, 2021
The Jewish Democratic Council of America tweeted, “We mourn the lives tragically lost today in Kabul, including American service members, and remain deeply concerned with the safety of Americans, Afghans and our partners. Our prayers are with all those affected by the explosions.”
We mourn the lives tragically lost today in Kabul, including American service members, and remain deeply concerned with the safety of Americans, Afghans and our partners. Our prayers are with all those affected by the explosions. https://t.co/BCOcTFFkOr
— Jewish Dems (@USJewishDems) August 26, 2021
The Republican Jewish Coalition tweeted in response to the State Department’s announcement that there wouldn’t be a press briefing today: “The Biden administration, from @JoeBiden on down, has no interest in take [sic] accountability.”
The Biden administration, from @JoeBiden on down, has no interest in take accountability. https://t.co/jWlZiENfJW
— RJC (@RJC) August 26, 2021
President Joe Biden will be addressing the attacks today at 2 pm PST.