JCRC Joins Israeli PM in Deploring "Price Tag" Desecration of Latrun Monastery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2012

Contact:
Jeremy Burton
617-457-8642
jburton@jcrcboston.org

(SEPTEMBER 4-BOSTON) The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston joins Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in deploring the despicable “price tag” desecration of the Monastery of the Silent Monks in Latrun near Jerusalem. As the Prime Minister said, “Those responsible for this reprehensible act need to be punished severely. Freedom of religion and freedom of worship are among the most basic principles of the State of Israel.”

JCRC Executive Director Jeremy Burton stated, “We deeply regret the pain this outrage has caused in the Christian community, both in Israel and worldwide. This attack does not reflect the values of an Israeli democracy, but does point to an increasing crisis of intolerance within a vocal and violent minority. The American Jewish community must support our Israeli brothers and sisters in coming together to reject these acts and to confront the hatred that underlies them.”

JCRC President Bill Gabovitch added, “In a time of increasing violence against Christians across the Middle East, we are heartened that Israel remains true to its founding vision as a bastion of religious tolerance and freedom. We applaud the Prime Minister’s call for swift justice and his reaffirmation of this fundamental Israeli value.”

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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.