Our organizations, congregations and the over 100,000 Jewish residents of our County called upon the Islamic Center of Rockland to immediately repudiate this call for the destruction of Jews, and the inciteful language used in the rest of the sermon. It is our understanding that the mosque is now taking steps to do so. We look forward to a clear statement to this effect.
“It is especially painful to hear such words from a mosque that has often been a partner to local synagogues. The last 10 months have carried the weight of tragedy for all. There is room for critical and constructive conversations between the Jewish and Muslim communities. But there is no room for hateful, violent speech like this. It is more than alarming, it is threatening to the overwhelming majority of our community who identify with the self determination of the Jewish people in our ancestral homeland.” shared Ari Rosenblum, CEO of the Jewish Federation.
Rabbi Ariel Russo, Chair of the Rockland Board of Rabbis, said “I am deeply saddened to learn of this harmful rhetoric. I hope a resolution leads to productive dialogue and a repair in the relationship.”
“The Jewish people have learned by terrible example that rhetoric calling for the destruction of Jews— based on dangerous disinformation — not only fuels hatred and divides neighbors, but can lead to harmful real world consequences”. Scott Richman, Regional Director, ADL.
The Jewish community of Rockland is grateful for the vigilance of local and state law enforcement agencies as they safeguard our community.
Guided by Jewish ethics, the Jewish Federation and Foundation of Rockland County is the County’s leading organization that uniquely convenes collective action, identifies and helps the most vulnerable, addresses security needs, strengthens connections to Israel, combats antisemitism, and celebrates the breadth and beauty of Jewish identity. The Rockland Board of Rabbis represents the rabbinic leadership of several congregations across the county, promoting a vibrant, traditional and diverse community guided by Jewish values. For more than 100 years, the ADL’s mission has been to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and to secure justice and fair treatment to all.