04 Nov The RAA Calls Upon Governmental Authorities To Be On High Alert Over Recent Anti-Semitic Activity

The Rabbinical Alliance of America—Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis—calls upon our governmental authorities to be on high alert over recent anti-Semitic incidents. Over the past few days, a number of incidents, currently under investigation, occurred that raise concern for the safety of the Jewish community. These come on the trail of a rising trend of anti-Semitic rhetoric and attacks. The Rabbinical Alliance of America calls on our governmental authorities and law enforcement to focus on this increase in anti-Semitic, hateful behavior. On November 2, 2020, a terrorist in Vienna sent 50 shots into an area with the city’s central synagogue. Closer to home, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn, numerous Mezuzas and homes were defaced with anti-Semitic slurs. A few days earlier, a Chabad Center in Wilmington, Delaware was damaged by fire in what appears to be arson. This comes only two months after the Chabad Center for Jewish Life in Newark, Delaware was destroyed by arson. Additionally, the threat of civil unrest due to the presidential elections raises concerns that this could escalate into a series of attacks and hate crimes against the Jewish community. This is a time for an abundance of caution, a time for high alert. We pray for the health and safety of all people. We pray that the situation improves and peace resumes. Now is the time for the government and law enforcement to take action to prevent escalation of the deteriorating situation. Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik, executive vice-president of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, said, “We applaud law enforcement and governmental authorities who take seriously this rise of anti-Semitism, bigotry, hate and racism. We can only succeed when all decent and good people band together and declare that ant-Semitism, hate, bigotry and racism have no room and will not be tolerated. We must also be vigilant in the arrest, apprehension and prosecution of those who engage in hateful acts. We pray that all those who have hate in their hearts see the folly in their ways and use their energy to help make this world a better place for all people.”