NASW Statement on Israel and Gaza War

The NYS Chapter is horrified by what we’ve seen over the last week in Israel and Gaza. We condemn all acts of terror, including the targeting of civilians, children, women and the elderly. The killing of innocent people, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and targeting of specific civilians is terrorism and must be condemned. As we mourn the loss of innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives, we cannot tolerate antisemitism, Islamophobia, or bigotry of any nature.

No one should fear violence because of what they look like, what they wear, what they believe, or how they practice their religion. Antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia and other kinds of intolerance and discrimination threaten not only the individuals and communities that suffer from their effects, but also contribute to creating the toxic climate needed for extremism, terrorism and violence to thrive. NASW-NYS is committed to the absolute priority of countering intolerance and discrimination through promoting dialogue, mutual respect, active resistance, and education.

Please see below for the National Statement.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) offers its condolences and support to people who lost loved ones in the terrorist attacks in Israel and to those continuing to suffer the loss of family members, homes, and communities in Israel and in Gaza.

As a member of the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), we support our social work colleagues in Israel and in Gaza who are assisting those experiencing grief, trauma, economic uncertainty, illness, and injuries and who are embodying the social work Code of Ethics by enhancing human well-being, promoting social justice, and respecting the inherent dignity and worth of all people.

NASW denounces hate and violence, and our association will advocate against bigotry of all forms. The October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel have sent ripples around the world, with Jewish people in the United States and other nations growing even more fearful that antisemitism, which had already been on the rise, will worsen.

Palestinians in Gaza are also facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, with millions of innocent people experiencing hunger, lack of medical care, homelessness, and risk of death as the war between Israel and Hamas intensifies. NASW supports all humanitarian assistance to help those in need.

Social workers interested in supporting colleagues in the region should contact IFSW. Donations of time or money are needed in the following organizations:

American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee

Doctors Without Borders

Global Empowerment Mission

International Committee of the Red Cross US (via Geneva)

Save the Children

Global Citizen

Palestine Children’s Relief Fund

UNICEF

Norwegian Refugee Council