July 2, 2014

 

A Joint Statement from the Jewish Community Relations Council, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund and The Jewish Federation/The Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay.

 

We are heartbroken to learn that a Palestinian teenager, Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir, was kidnapped and brutally murdered in Jerusalem less than a day after Naftali Fraenkel, Gilad Shaar and Eyal Yifrah were laid to rest. Jewish tradition teaches that all human beings are created in the image of G-d and are precious. These were four young men with their entire lives before them. Four young men who will never get married, have children, or grow old. While the motives of Muhammad's murderer remain unknown, the reality is crystal clear: his death is a senseless tragedy. Our hearts are with his family at this sorrowful time.

 

We join U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, the parents of Naftali Fraenkel, and many international leaders in their swift and unequivocal condemnation of Muhammad's kidnapping and murder. In the aftermath of these terrible tragedies, such voices and leadership are critical to keep alive the prospect of peace and minimize the prospect of vigilantism, violence and vengeance.

 

We continue to stand with the people of Israel and hope that those responsible for the murders of Naftali, Gilad, Eyal and Muhammad are all quickly apprehended and brought to justice.

 

 




Rabbi Doug Kahn
Executive Director
Jewish Community
Relations Council 
Jim Offel
Interim CEO 
Jewish Community Federation
and Endowment Fund 
Rabbi James Brandt  
CEO 
The Jewish Federation/The Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay

 




 

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