NEW YORK, NY (June 8, 2023) "The Rabbinical Assembly, the international association of Conservative/Masorti rabbis, joins the calls of the American Jewish community expressing profound outrage for Russia’s unjust detention and baseless espionage charges against Evan Gershkovich, a respected journalist for the Wall Street Journal.
"As rabbis, we value the fundamental principles of justice, freedom, and the pursuit of truth, which are at the core of our Jewish tradition and essential to a thriving society. The abuse of these values by the Russian government in its attack and smearing of an American Jewish journalist should command worldwide attention and unite all supporters of democracy and justice in the urgent mission for his expedited return to the United States.
"We commend the actions taken thus far by the Biden administration, including the designation of Evan's detention as wrongful under the Robert Levinson Act. We are also grateful for the vocal support from President Biden, as well as the bipartisan support by members of Congress, and the collective commitment to employ every available means to secure Evan's unconditional release.
"We often recite the words of Tefilat Haderech, the Traveler’s Prayer, to ask for guidance and strength to overcome any obstacle or challenge of an important journey, particularly asking to return unharmed. We must now act to ensure that wisdom and justice prevail and that no further mistreatment impedes Evan's safe and swift journey home.
"The Rabbinical Assembly stands ready to provide unwavering support to our government officials and allies in this critical endeavor. Our prayers and thoughts remain with Evan, his loved ones, and all those tirelessly working for his release. May justice prevail and may the light of truth guide us all forward."
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