CRC condemns violence perpetrated by extremists

The Community Relations Committee of MetroWest and Central NJ condemns the recent violent attacks on IDF soldiers and other targets by Jewish extremists. We believe that violence is never an acceptable method of political protest and that applies equally to Israelis who disagree, even disagree fervently, with the decisions of their democratically elected leaders. Violently attacking civilians, defacing and torching mosques, and, most disturbingly, attacking IDF soldiers and commanders with cement blocks and Molotov cocktails cannot be tolerated in Israel.

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, Israeli right-wing extremists clashed with police in Jerusalem after arsonists torched a mosque. These extremists have engaged in violence against Palestinians and IDF soldiers in the West Bank and in Jerusalem as a “price tag” to protest the possible evacuation of illegal outposts in the West Bank.

We applaud the recent measures taken by the government of Israel to address these events with increased investigative and law enforcement teams. The fact that the alleged perpetrators are Jewish should not serve as any deterrent to full and vigorous prosecution.

Lori Klinghoffer, president
Max Kleinman, executive vice president
United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ

Julie Lipsett-Singer, president
Stanley Stone, executive vice president
Jewish Federation of Central NJ

David Lentz, chair
Melanie Roth Gorelick, director
Community Relations Committee of MetroWest and Central NJ