JCRC Condemns Violence Against Arabs in Israel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2012

Contact:
Jeremy Burton
617.457.8642
617.515.7475

(AUGUST 21-BOSTON) The Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Greater Boston joins Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in condemning recent acts of violence perpetrated against Arabs by Jewish youths, most notably in downtown Jerusalem.

Prime Minister Netanyahu declared racism and violence to be outside of the values of a Jewish state, saying “this is something that we cannot accept — neither as Jews nor as Israelis. This is not our way; this is opposed to our ways; and we condemn it in word and deed”. 

Jewish Community Relations Council President Bill Gabovitch said: “We applaud Prime Minister Netanyahu’s denunciation of the wave of violence. We share his hope that such actions are isolated incidents, along with his belief that racism and violence are against the values of Israel.”

JCRC Executive Director Jeremy Burton added: “As American Jews it our responsibility to work with the people and government of Israel to build a strong and secure Jewish state, rooted in Jewish values and ideals. When we challenge hate, even amongst our own people, and when we support efforts to eradicate violence against others in Israel, we are supporting the people of Israel in realizing their own, and our, aspirations.”

JCRC is available for comment upon request.

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The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston (JCRC) is the representative voice of the organized Jewish community. Comprised of 40 constituent organizations, JCRC serves as a catalyst for building a strong and vibrant Jewish community in Boston and around the world; advocates for a safe, secure, Jewish, democratic state of Israel; and promotes an American society that is democratic, pluralistic and just.