The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — joins the global community in mourning the tragic murders of six Israeli hostages in Gaza: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alexander Lobanov, and Ori Danino. After more than ten months of tortuous captivity, these innocent victims suffered murder at the hands of their captors. The RAA condemns Hamas for its ongoing atrocities and crimes against humanity. Blame for the long and difficult war in Gaza and all the innocents who have been injured and killed belongs solely to Hamas, which started the war with atrocities and continues to refuse to agree to a ceasefire. The long list of human rights violations committed by Hamas seems to have no end.
At this difficult time, we pray for the memories of the deceased and the comfort of all their mourners. All people of good will join in mourning this tragedy. We also pray for the safe return of the remaining hostages and the defeat of Hamas, and for peace in Israel and around the world.