Masorti France
Claude Machline, founder of Massorti France and Masorti Europe has issued a statement following the massacre in the Bataclan Theatre following the murder of one of their congregant’s granddaughter.
He said: “The Bataclan Theatre is a famous place where many Jewish events are held including a conference on antisemitism which I planned in 2008. There is a vibrant Jewish population in this area and thus the choice of the target is obvious. My niece lost a friend attending the concert and one of our congregants, Prof. David Ruzie, lost his 22-year-old granddaughter, Justine.”
In an open letter to those who experienced losses in the attacks, he writes:”Sadly, we understand your loss and the anguish that will be faced in the days and weeks to come. We send you our prayers and support.
Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami condemn terrorism around the world. We pray that people find the strength and courage to find paths to peace.
Masorti Olami and MERCAZ Olami are shocked and pained by the brutal terror attacks in Paris.
We send our condolences to the people of France and the families of the victims.”
Write a letter of support to the Massorti Movement in France at bureau@massortifrance.fr. Your messages will be shared with all the rabbis and communities in France.
The World Union for Progressive Judaism and the European Union for Progressive Judaism, representing almost 2 million Jews around the globe, has also expressed its solidarity with the people of France, and extends condolences to the families and friends of those who were brutally murdered in Paris on Friday evening.
In a statement the organisation said: “The sheer horror of such mindless savagery, which has sadly increased in recent years, defies every sense of humanity. Those of good faith must unite around the world and support those all who are defending our security and strive to defeat those who promote terror and cause such pain.
This is an attack on our very freedoms and Judaism’s basic ethics and beliefs. This second round of attacks in Paris in less than a year reminds us that these are not isolated incidents. Pluralism and democracy require respect for the rule of law. Violence and inciting fear are unacceptable tactics for bringing change. We go to stadiums, concert halls and cafes to celebrate our freedom, not to surrender it.
To honor the memory of all those innocents who have become victims of terror, we must continue to stand up to this growing evil and root out terror and terrorists.
Jewish history teaches us that we dare not ignore these threats and acts of violence. Our wellbeing, and the very institutions that protect our freedoms, are under attack. Let us stand with those who treasure pluralism and protect democracy to bring an end to this cycle of evil.”
What are you doing still there??? Are you teaching your congregation the same as the Hungarian rabbis taught theirs prior to the Shoa? Just to pray? Or, to help God to help you by making aliah?