Global Jewish Human Rights Group Denounces Hate
Robert Bank, President and CEO of American Jewish World Service (AJWS), issued this statement after the shooting outside a synagogue in Halle, Germany today:
“We mourn the lives of two people who were murdered outside a synagogue today in Halle, Germany. This deadly attack on a Jewish house of worship on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, was live-streamed by the attacker and was the product of poisonous anti-Semitism.
“This horrible act comes nearly a year after an attack by an extremist on our own soil, in Pittsburgh, and tragically it resembles an attack by a far-right extremist on two mosques in New Zealand more than six months ago, in which he broadcast his killings live on social media.
“We join with people of every background around the world to combat the increasing waves of hatred and intolerance against all people, including anti-Semitic, racist, Islamophobic, misogynistic, homophobic and transphobic violence.
“Rooted in Jewish values and the lessons of Jewish history, we join with people everywhere to build a democratic, pluralistic, respectful and diverse world anchored by human rights. We recommit ourselves on this day of reflection and atonement to healing our very broken world.”
About American Jewish World Service (AJWS)
American Jewish World Service (AJWS) is the leading Jewish organization working to fight poverty and pursue justice in the developing world. By supporting hundreds of social change organizations in 19 countries, we respond to the most pressing issues of our time—from disasters, genocide and hunger, to the persecution of women and minorities worldwide. With Jewish values and a global reach, AJWS is making a difference in millions of lives and bringing a more just and equitable world closer for all.
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