Saperstein Condemns Attack on Jewish Community in Sweden

 Rabbi Saperstein: "Although two individuals purportedly responsible for the attack have been arrested, it is clear that law enforcement, political and communal leaders must vigorously address the broader issue of anti-Semitism that continues to flourish."

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WASHINGTON, D.C., September 28, 2012: In response to last night's attack on a Jewish community building in Malmo, Sweden, Rabbi David Saperstein, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, released the following statement:

"Last night's attack on a Jewish community building in Malmo, Sweden serves as a bitter reminder of the anti-Semitism that has plagued that community for far too long. While we are grateful that no injuries resulted from the attack, our hearts go out to the Malmo Jewish community that has known too many incidents of violence directed at its members and institutions, including verbal and physical abuse and the desecration of a synagogue and a Jewish cemetery.

 

Although two individuals purportedly responsible for the attack have been arrested, it is clear that law enforcement, political, and communal leaders must vigorously address the broader issue of anti-Semitism that continues to flourish. We call on local and national authorities to delegitimize anti-Semitism and religious intolerance and to take immediate and tangible steps to ensure the security of Malmo's Jewish community."