(JTA) — Natan Sharansky, the chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, visited a Reform synagogue in Israel that was vandalized and received death threats last week.
On Wednesday, Sharansky visited Beit Samueli, Kehillat Raanan in Raanana, meeting with representatives from the synagogue in central Israel and Israel’s Reform movement.
“It goes without saying that we must not tolerate acts of violence and vandalism in our society,” he said, according to a statement. “As we forcefully condemn the attack on this synagogue, we also recognize the tremendous service that this community and other Reform and Conservative synagogues in Israel provide in making Judaism accessible to hundreds of thousands of Israelis throughout the year.”
Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky, second from left, with Rabbi Daniel Meyer, left; Yossi Cohen, second from right, and Israeli Reform leader Rabbi Gilad Kariv at Kehillat Raanan, Beit Samueli in Raanana, Israel, Nov. 30, 2016. (Adi Romem, Beit Samueli, Kehillat Raanan, via Jewish Agency for Israel)
The vandalism, which was discovered Nov. 24, included hate graffiti on the walls of the synagogue and death threats in envelopes held down by a knife at its doorstep. The threats were addressed to prominent Reform leaders.
A similar attack occurred in January, though it did not include death threats.
The synagogue of 80 families has been in Raanana for 18 years. Three preschools reportedly operate out of the building.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack.
“Such acts have no place in our free society,” he said in in a statement issued by his office.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
