The Philadelphia Citizen recently published a transcript of the remarks of Ken Lawrence Jr., chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, as he spoke about the Israel–Hamas war at a meeting on October 19.

Here is an excerpt of what he said:

“While for some of us, this is a far-off conflict, for many of your Jewish neighbors, it is very personal. They have loved ones both family and friends who live in Israel…Our neighbors are hurting and grieving, and they are scared.”

He went on to say, “We also have Palestinian neighbors who have lost loved ones in Gaza and share the same concern for their loved ones’ safety and future. They are hurting and grieving and scared.”

Lawrence added that both synagogues and mosques are worried that it is not safe to gather to worship as antisemitism and islamophobia continue to rise here and around the United States.

He said that it is important to be sensitive and supportive to your neighbors. To reassure them that you have their back.

And if you don’t know what to say, just ask them how they are doing.

Read the full transcript of the Montgomery County Commissioners Chair’s remarks at Philadelphia Citizen.

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