December 29, 2019

The Central Conference of American Rabbis is alarmed by the epidemic of violent antisemitic attacks in the New York area—in Brooklyn, in Jersey City, and now in Monsey. We grieve the deaths of all who were murdered and pray that the mourners be consoled. We pray for healing for all who have been injured. And we pray, too, for the safety of our people in the New York region, across the country, and around the world.

Antisemitism is as old as the Jewish people, but its rise in the last three years is especially alarming. Antisemitism, now as always, is perpetrated by those who hold a wide variety of hateful, extremist ideologies. Tragically, these extreme ideologies have once again seeped into the mainstream today.

We note that the victims of violent antisemitism in this most recent wave in the New York area have primarily been ultra-Orthodox Jews and those who live and work in proximity to them. Regardless of one’s choices about Jewish observance, all Jews should be free to practice their religion and traditions fully and without fear. When any Jew is targeted we are all targeted; we all share the pain of baseless hatred.

Reform rabbis are grateful to government officials, law enforcement officials, and prosecutors who have placed a high priority on protecting Jewish, and particularly ultra-Orthodox, communities in the current environment and we encourage others to follow their example. Perpetrators of hatred and each of these crimes should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

We pray for the day that every American Jew – and all people – “may sit under their vines and fig trees, with none to make them afraid” (Micah 4:4).

Rabbi Ronald Segal

President

Central Conference of American Rabbis

Rabbi Hara E. Person

Chief Executive

Central Conference of American Rabbis