This statement originally posted on Masorti.org
The RA endorses and disseminates this statement put out by our Israel region on behalf of our colleagues worldwide:
Jewish fundamentalism is neither better nor worse than any other fundamentalism. The knife, raised against the parade in the heart of Jerusalem last evening, and the match that ignited a family home in the village of Douma, near Nablus, in the early morning hours, are the despicable products of religious fanaticism. Tendentious use of verses can justify almost any wrongdoing, yet the legacy of Israel throughout all generations has always known to maintain a firm moral rule, "Do the right and the good" (Deuteronomy 6:18). Those who educate for hatred, spread evil, and call for harming innocent people are distorting Judaism, not building it. Murder, attempted murder, and lust for murder have nothing to do with Jewish tradition.
We extend a comforting hand and embrace to the LGBT community that suffered a severe blow yesterday, send strength to their families, and offer prayers for the injured hospitalized in Hadassah and Shaare Zedek hospitals in Jerusalem.
We send condolences to the family Daobasa, whose infant son was burned to death last night by Jewish terrorists, and pray for the safety of other family members who are still hospitalized.
May God who makes peace on high, make peace for us, for all Israel, and all who dwell on Earth. Let us say, Amen.
Rabbi Mauricio Balter, Co‐President, Rabbinical Assembly
Rabbi Dov Hayon, Co‐President, Rabbinical Assembly
Shueli Fast, Chairwoman of the Masorti Movement
Attorney Yizhar Hess, CEO of the Masorti Movement