The Rabbinical Alliance of America – Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American Orthodox rabbis – honors the exemplary work that the NYPD and law enforcement agencies across the nation do each and every day to protect all Americans from harm.
In light of the recent murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis at the hands of a white police officer, protests and violent riots have gripped our nation and the world. On a daily basis, voices from many corners stridently call for immediate police reform. The world is now engaging in a vigorous and much needed discussion of the horrors of racial inequality and ways of rectifying such injustices. RAA strongly supports this important, overdue conversation.
Having said this, the RAA recognizes that law enforcement agencies in New York City and elsewhere find themselves under siege. The many hard-working, honorable police officers around this country are being vilified. Demands for the defunding of police departments carry an ominous message of the erosion of law and order which is the predicate of a civilized society.
“The RAA unequivocally and categorically condemns, in the strongest terms, the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. We welcome discussions on curing the ills of racial injustice in America. The RAA also understands and emphasizes that the work of our police forces is vital to the health and wellbeing of society, as it serves to protect law abiding citizens,” declared Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, the executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America.
Mirocznik added that, “Unfortunately, there are rogue cops out there and that issue must be immediately addressed, but I can tell you from personal experience with my associations with law enforcement that the vast majority of police officers in New York City and beyond are extremely dedicated public servants who risk their lives each day to protect each person and to fight crime with the highest of ethical and moral principles. These incredibly brave men and women are the backbone of our society, intrepid defenders of the peace, willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and never retreat from danger.”
Rabbi Dovid Katz, Menahel of the RAA/Igud HaRabbonim, quoted the Mishnah (rabbinic text) of Pirkei Avos (Ethics of the Fathers). “One should pray for the peace of the government, for were it not for the fear of government, people would swallow each other alive.” He added that, “HaKaros HaTov (appreciation) is at the core of our belief as Jews. It is incumbent upon all of us to proudly display sincere gratitude to the NYPD, not only for protecting and serving Jewish communities but for protecting every community throughout this nation.”
Rabbi Yaakov Klass, presidium chairman of the Rabbinical Alliance of America remarked, “We stand with and wholeheartedly support the NYPD as we always have and will continue to do, especially during these incredibly challenging times for them. We understand the paramount importance of our police having the proper equipment. As such, we are staunchly opposed to defunding them in any way. There is no better way for our tax dollars to be spent than for maintaining the NYPD as the best and most effective law enforcement agency in this country. On behalf of the RAA’s membership body, I salute each member of the NYPD and look forward to working with them in the future for the betterment of our city and of our society.”