B'nai Israel & Jewish Federation Condemn New Zealand Attacks

SOUTHBURY, CT --B'nai Israel of Southbury and the Jewish Federation of Western CT have issued a joint statement denouncing Friday's violent attack on two Mosques in New Zealand that has left 49 dead and dozens injured.

Rabbi Eric Polokoff of B'nai Israel of Southbury said of the killings, “An attack on innocent worshippers anywhere is an attack on all of us everywhere. In the wake of today's murder of Muslims in New Zealand, our hearts and prayers are with the families of these victims of racism and Islamophobia, and with the Islamic community and people of New Zealand.”

Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Western CT, Jade Stoltz, echoed the Rabbi’s sentiments and stated, “The Jewish Federation of Western CT is sickened by the murderous attack on innocent worshippers in Christchurch and stands with the Muslim community. Our deepest sorrow for the senseless loss of life and our condolences to the families and friends of those who were lost today.”

“The Jewish community is united in solidarity and taking a stand against such acts of terrorism,” Stoltz said. “Nobody should ever have to fear attending a house of worship. We cannot allow this hatred and violence to continue and must take a stand against it.”

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The Jewish Federation of Western CT fosters cooperation among local Jewish organizations and provides programs and support throughout the area, along with supporting its partnership region of Afula Gilboa in Israel. B’nai Israel, an inclusive Reform Jewish congregation, serves its intergenerational membership as a home for worship, learning and community. Both institutions share the 17-acre Walzer Community Campus, creating one of the region’s largest community, cultural, spiritual and educational centers of its kind.

B’nai Israel of Southbury is a warm, welcoming and diverse congregation that is among the most prominent, yet intimate Jewish houses of worship in the region. The congregation has a rich history of tradition dating back more than a century while enthusiastically embracing the future. B’nai Israel takes pride in its inspiring music, educational excellence and sense of community. Setting B’nai Israel apart, too, is its spiritual leadership, commitment to advocacy, and inclusiveness with a welcoming of traditional, single parent, interfaith and other modern families among the greater B’nai Israel family that is a home for all generations.