The Rabbinical Alliance of America—Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis—condemns the rash of terror in Israel that occurred this past weekend, described by many security experts as one of the deadliest attacks on Israelis in years. The attacks were not just deadly but sacrilegious, attacking innocent people at a place of worship on the holiest day of the week.
The first attack targeted a synagogue on the Jewish Sabbath. After Friday night services concluded, worshippers at a synagogue in Jerusalem’s Neve Ya’akov neighborhood were leaving when a gunman opened fire on anyone passing by this busy place of prayer. Seven holy souls left this world violently due to this unholy terror attack. Among the terrorist’s victims were a 14-year-old boy and a married couple who ran to help after hearing gunshots and screams. Others were injured, including two more people who were victims of a terrorist attack on Saturday evening.
U.S. State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel called Friday’s shooting in Jerusalem an “absolutely horrific” attack. “Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to those killed or injured in this heinous act of violence,” he said at a news briefing. “We condemn this apparent terrorist attack in the strongest terms. We are in direct touch with our Israeli partners.”
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre promised the U.S. “will extend our full support to the government and people of Israel. Accordingly, the president has directed his national security team to engage immediately with Israeli counterparts to offer all appropriate support in assisting the wounded and bringing the perpetrators of this horrible crime to justice.”
Mayor Eric Adams, on behalf of New York City declared, that, “[t]he news of a terror attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem during prayer on Holocaust Remembrance Day, a moment where we should be united in the face of antisemitism and hate, is as outrageous as it is horrifying. New York City stands with Israel today.”
Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, condemned these despicable acts of terror. He said, “This weekend’s rash of terror attacks which started on Holocaust Remembrance Day – as Mayor Eric Adams noted – are an outrage. How cowardly is it to attack unarmed people who just left a prayer service at a synagogue? Many of these victims were in the prime of their lives, full of energy and optimism. The Rabbinical Alliance of America cries for the victims and yearns for a time when mourning will be no more. The organization is confident that the Israeli authorities will take the necessary steps to apprehend and to bring to justice all of the terrorists involved in these egregious crimes. At the same time, we call upon all decent people around the world to join us in condemning this cowardly act of murder and sacrilegious attack on a house of worship.
“Peace and security are fundamental rights that should be enjoyed by all people. Whenever an act of terror breaches the world’s tranquility or, Heaven forbids, extinguishes an innocent life, the entire world should mourn and erupt in an uproar. The world should condemn such a callous attitude toward life and instead reinforce the sanctity and importance of life. The only way we will put an end to needless bloodshed, terror and murder is when all peace-loving people come together in unity and declare that anything that obstructs peace and advocates terror and destruction will not be tolerated, forgiven nor forgotten. The world must state unequivocally that, as caring and compassionate people, we will hunt the cowards who plan and execute attacks on innocent civilians and ensure they face appropriate punishment for the blood they have spilled.”
Mirocznik continued, “The Rabbinical Alliance of America calls on Jews world-over to engage in acts of compassion and generosity as a tribute in memory of the victims of terror, HY”D. Let us act in a kinder fashion and deal more generously and gently with all the people with whom we interact. In that way, we will honor the memory of the terror victims in a respectful and dignified manner.
“We further pray that all who harbor evil in their hearts will realize the error of their ways and channel their negative energy in a positive direction to help make this world a better and more equitable place for all people. May He who makes Peace in His Heavens make peace on His Earth and may He decree that such acts of terror, bloodshed, and murder be no more.”