The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Rabbinical Assembly have come together to speak out against the murders of two Israelis at an LGBT center in Tel Aviv on Saturday night.
"Israel is a model of forward-thinking society where the overwhelming majority of citizens support equal civil rights for all," says the statement from leaders of the two organizations. "Unfortunately, some voices in that society seek to incite violence against the gay and lesbian community; they should be held to account." Here’s the full statement:
JOINT STATEMENT OF THE RABBINICAL ASSEMBLY AND THE UNITED SYNAGOGUE OF CONSERVATIVE JUDAISM ON THE TEL AVIV NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING
August 4, 2009 (New York, NY) — We are saddened and outraged by the premeditated murder of Israelis who were targeted because of their sexual orientation. This cowardly act of terrorism took place against innocent victims in a place of acceptance and support. Israel is a model of forward-thinking society where the overwhelming majority of citizens support equal civil rights for all. Unfortunately, some voices in that society seek to incite violence against the gay and lesbian community; they should be held to account. We look forward to the time when voices of inclusion are proactive and universal and we are confident that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.
Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president, The Rabbinical Assembly
Rabbi Jeffrey A. Wohlberg, president, The Rabbinical Assembly
Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, executive vice president, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Dr. Ray B. Goldstein, international president, The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
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