Rabbis slam attack on Reform synagogue

Raanana religious leaders, public figures sign letter against desecration of local shul. 'Torah condemns any act of violence,' they say

Kobi Nahshoni |Published: 04.22.11 , 08:22

A number of rabbis and public figures from the city of Raanana have signed a letter strongly condemning the desecration of a local Reform synagogue.

"This act, like other acts of violence, saddens all of us," the letter said. "We stress that the Torah condemns any act of violence and harm to our fellowman."

The synagogue's windows were smashed with stones last weekend, and the writing "It has begun" was scrawled on the building's wall. A complaint was filed with the police.

Raananim Synagogue (photo courtesy of Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism)

Raanana's Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Peretz, a former interior minister and Shas chairman, signed the letter, despite being very close to the Orthodox Lithuanian leadership, which strongly opposes Reform Judaism. He added in his handwriting, "Her ways are ways of pleasantness."

The letter was also signed by Rabbi Shlomo Ishon, Rabbi Daniel Beller, Rabbi Ronen Neuwirth, Rabbi Shaul Farber, Deputy Mayor Aryeh Friedman, Rabbanit Oshra Koren, Rabbi Zvi Koren and Rabbi Avichai Katzin.

"We call on the public figures to use their influence to eradicate the acts of violence in our city and encourage friendship between people according to the tradition of Israel.

"Throughout the years, our city of Raanana has excelled in tolerance and coexistence, and we must all ensure that this situation continues," they concluded.