Rabbi Urges Mitchell to Act Against Synagogues, Public Buildings Bombings

The Rabbinical Council of America called today on Attorney General John Mitchell to establish a special department to deal with bombings and other acts of violence against synagogues and churches. Rabbi Bernard L. Berzon, president of the Council, which represents Orthodox rabbis in the United States and Canada, referred to the recent bombings of two Orthodox synagogues in Rochester, New York, and recent attacks on other synagogues, churches and public buildings. He said “It has become increasingly obvious that local and state police and security forces are unable to bring an end to these acts of violence. Only the organized strength of the Federal government can cope with them. We therefore call upon the Attorney General to immediately set into motion an investigation of all acts of violence and to take the necessary steps to protect our houses of worship.” Rabbi Berzon said the recent bombings “are cutting into the very fabric of our society” and “society therefore must protect itself lest it be destroyed in the process.” He observed that “we have too much experience with the famous bombings of Nazi Germany and other events not to be concerned with the very future of our country. It is obvious that whoever is planning these bombings desires to destroy us and to bring about a government of repression whether on the right or on the left.”