fbpx

Jewish Groups React to Kabul Bombings

Jewish groups are offering their condolences and reactions after two explosions on August 26 near Hamd Kharzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
[additional-authors]
August 26, 2021
U.S. Marines and Norweigian coalition forces assist with security at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 20. (Photo by Staff Sgt. Victor Mancilla / U.S. Marine Corps via Getty Images)

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

 

President Joe Biden will be addressing the attacks today at 2 pm PST.

 

Did you enjoy this article?
You'll love our roundtable.

Editor's Picks

Latest Articles

Put Your Jewish Identity Where It Belongs

Why do we feel we have to separate our identity as Jews from every other identity we take on? What is holding you back from incorporating your Jewishness into your professional life, your parenting, your personal relationships?

Print Issue: Moment of Truth | January 16, 2026

Soon we will know whether Iran’s newest uprising becomes another chapter in a long pattern, or the moment the pattern breaks. For one thing is already clear: this time, fewer people are asking for reform and more are asking for an ending.

Singing Over Sirens

Courage isn’t always taking the leap of faith to get on a plane into a war zone, but to sing even when the siren tries to silence you.

More news and opinions than at a Shabbat dinner, right in your inbox.