(CNN) The New York rabbi who survived an attack at his home during Hanukkah urged people to put aside differences and "work side by side to eradicate hatred."

Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, leader of Congregation Netzach Yisroel, made his first public comments since the December 28 attack during a celebration on the seventh day of Hanukkah in the hamlet of Monsey. Five people were injured, including his son.

Rottenberg said Wednesday his community is still suffering from the attack. He praised a good Samaritan who confronted the suspect and urged people not to politicize the situation.

"Although we, the Hasidic people of Rockland and across New York state, may look different, dress differently, speak a different language and chose to educate our children according to our traditions ... we, like many diverse people of Rockland County, are all created in the image of God," he said, reading a statement outside his home.

"I stand here before you stretching out my hand for peace and unity. Let us put our differences aside and bigotry behind us and work side by side to eradicate hatred," he said.