The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — mourns the loss of innocent life and condemns the recent surge in violence plaguing our great nation, and prays for a return to peace, tranquility. The March 22, 2021, mass shooting at a supermarket in Boulder, Colorado, comes less than a week after eight people were killed in a series of attacks on spas in Atlanta. They are also among at least seven mass shootings in the past week across the US — including three incidents on Saturday alone.
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA) stated, “we mourn the loss of innocent human life, precious souls taken due to anger and hatred. We cannot tolerate the evil of wanton murder. As Americans, we cherish and appreciate liberty and freedom. These acts of violence generate feelings of fear and loss to the people of our great nation. This tragedy affects every American. We cannot allow the acts of individuals to cause us to lose hope. All Americans must express their outrage at these senseless acts of violence.
“The RAA prays for the victim’s families. We stand in solidarity with all Americans as we mourn the loss of human life. We call for greater solidarity and unity from members of the clergy, community leaders and elected representatives. As Jews, we have a long history of combating anti-Semitism, pogroms, the Holocaust, terror in Israel and violence. We cherish and value the peace and tranquility that America offers all its residents. We therefore call on every decent, peace-loving American to stand together against violence and to start a national campaign of mutual respect and appreciation of every American.
“What started as a normal day should never have ended with victims of domestic terror and national tragedy caused by hateful individuals. Americans of all backgrounds must bear the responsibility of taking all measures to tackle this issue of violence. We dare not remain silent in the face of mass murder. Violence against any American is violence against all Americans. The only way to eradicate this evil that caused the loss of innocent lives is to feel affected by every tragedy, to mourn together as a country.
“We further call on all Americans to engage in acts of loving-kindness and good deeds in memory of these victims. Allow us to make positive change by becoming even better people and by leading by example. This extra care will influence the people around us to appreciate life and lead to the change that is so desperately needed.
“As the Passover Holiday draws near, a holiday that celebrates the victory of freedom over hate, we pray that He who makes peace in His Heavens make peace in this earth. We fervently pray that the Al-mighty inspire all those who bear hate and violence in their hearts to see the error of their ways and to channel their energy in a positive direction, helping make this world a better place for all people.”