NEW YORK – In the wake of continuing terror and violence in Israel, the Rabbinical Assembly, the international association for Conservative/Masorti rabbis, expressed solidarity with Israel and its security forces, calling for both calm and support from the international community. Rabbis William Gershon, president, and Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president, released the following statement:
The current resurgence of terrorist attacks in Israel is abhorrent and senseless. We unequivocally support Israel and its security forces as they take the necessary steps to protect innocent civilians and work to prevent further attacks. No one should have to live in fear that they might become a victim of an unprovoked attack.
We will not remain silent while Israel is facing such threats. As the Prophet Isiah teaches, ‘For the sake of Zion will I not hold my peace and for the sake of Jerusalem will I not rest, Until her justice shines bright and her salvation like a flaming torch.’ (Isaiah 62:1)
The international community must condemn these acts of terror and we call on President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership to also denounce such acts of violence. The Palestinian Authority must stop giving a voice to incitement against Israel and take immediate and meaningful action to restore order.
We pray for families who have lost loved ones, a refuah shlema for those who are injured, and for quiet in the region. May the families of those who have been murdered be comforted among the mourners of Zion and of Jerusalem and may this violence end soon.