YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Area Jewish Federation said it is closely monitoring the situation in Iran as the United States and Israel undertake military action to stop the Iranian regime’s global terror campaign.

“We have appreciated 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,” according to a statement from Lisa Long, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation CEO, and Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, federation executive director, community relations/government affairs.

The statement continued, “The world will be a safer place when the threat of the current Iranian regime and its illicit nuclear and missile programs are dismantled once and for all.”

“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.

“We pray for the success of the joint United States and Israeli actions in Iran and the safety of the brave fighters of the United States Armed Forces and the Israel Defense Forces carrying them out. We also pray for the safety of innocent civilians.

“The Iranian regime has, for decades, pursued policies that threaten U.S. interests, endanger Israel and our Arab partners, destabilize the broader Middle East and undermine global security. Its relentless advancement of a nuclear program in defiance of international obligations, combined with its ballistic missile proliferation, sponsorship of terrorist proxies and violent repression at home, has brought the region to this perilous moment.

“The Iranian people deserve a government that prioritizes their welfare over confrontation and repression. The international community must remain focused not only on nuclear constraints, but also on Iran’s ongoing human rights abuses and support for terror. We pray for an end to the hostilities and peace for all in the region.

“At this time, there is no specific threat to the federation and its agencies, but we will remain vigilant and maintain heightened security measures. The safety of the Jewish community and those who work, live on and visit our campus is always our priority.”