The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — notes with grief and astonishment two recent attacks on synagogues in the United States. Americans should be able to attend houses of worship without fear of attack. These attacks are not just against Jews but against all Americans and the very concept of America.
Rabbi Leonard (Yehuda) Blank MS, BCC, Director of Chaplaincy Commission and External Affairs of the RAA, said about these incidents, “The RAA is pained by the two recent incidents that occurred at Young Israel synagogues in Florida. One, the recent multiple shootings of a Jewish man waiting outside a Young Israel, who was waiting to escort elderly congregants into the synagogue, and another Young Israel synagogue which received anti-Semitic writings, a hateful DVD and a photo of someone holding a rifle. We join our Executive Vice President, Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, in offering to Jews in Florida and Americans around the country our heartfelt feelings of comfort, support and blessings for kindness and goodness.”
The Rabbinical Alliance of America maintains a long-standing relationship with the National Council of Young Israel and has recently collaborated with the organization, and particularly, Rabbi Binyamin Hammer Director of Rabbinics, on a number of programs. The RAA wishes strength and health to the rabbis and congregants of Young Israel synagogues around the country.