Rabbis for Human Rights condemns the murder of five Israeli civilians at the West Bank settlement of Itamar on Friday (March 11) in the strongest possible way. They were a violation of the most basic human right, the right to life. We send our condolences and pray that God will send consolation to the surviving members of the Fogel family.
Life under the Israeli occupation may be difficult, but in no way can that justify the murder of a family including three children sleeping in their beds.
Rabbis for Human Rights calls on the Palestinian Authority to cooperate fully with Israeli investigators to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice. We call upon our brothers and sisters, with whom we share the pain over the family murdered in Itamar, not to take the law into their hands and not to engage in acts of vengeance. Such activities only lead to further violence and play into the hands of those among the Palestinians who have no desire for peace.
Rabbis for Human Rights calls on all sides to renounce violence against persons and property, and reminds them that as descendants of Abraham, we are all cousins. We must follow Abraham’s example of find a way to live together in peace with his nephew Lot.
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Editors’ Note: Rabbis for Human Rights-North America (RHR-NA) shares in the sentiments issued by our colleagues in Israel. RHR-NA thoroughly denounces the horrific murders in Itamar. It’s an atrocious crime. Those responsible should be brought to justice.
