Press Release
Published on December 30, 2019
Human Rights First’s Senior Advisor for Combatting Antisemitism, Ira Forman, issued the following statement in the aftermath of the deadly attack on a rabbi’s home in Monsey, N.Y. this weekend:
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the violent attack on a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, N.Y. Our thoughts go out to the five victims, their families, and the entire Jewish community in Rockland County, N.Y. We wish those injured a speedy recovery.
“In the wake of this attack, our first priority must be to ensure the security of local Jewish communities. Law enforcement resources must be deployed in the coming weeks and months to meet this extraordinary threat.
“Antisemitism is not a threat to the Jewish community alone. It’s a danger to our democratic institutions and free society. Confronting this rising epidemic is a task that requires bipartisan, long-term approaches at the federal, state, and local levels. Confronting this scourge demands principled leadership from elected officials, thoughtful educational initiatives, evaluation of our justice system, and a commitment of resources to push back against hate.”
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