All articles tagged with #rabbis
Eight rabbis were arrested in NYC during a protest outside the Israeli Consulate advocating for humanitarian aid in Gaza, marking a notable escalation as members of the Jewish community's political center risked arrest over the Gaza conflict.
More than 30 rabbis and rabbinical students staged a protest at the United Nations, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza as the death toll from the Israeli invasion of the territory rises. The rabbis gained access to the building as part of a guided tour and entered the Security Council Chamber to recite prayers and chant their support for a cease-fire. The protest was organized by Jewish groups in support of a cease-fire, and the rabbis held up a banner addressed to President Joe Biden demanding a cease-fire. The protest was not adversarial toward the United Nations but came in response to the United States' actions as part of the body.
A group of influential Israeli rabbis, including those who have previously advocated for the killing of "enemy babies," have written a letter affirming Israel's right to bomb the Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza, claiming it is being used as a terrorist headquarters. The rabbis argue that there is no religious, moral, or legal prohibition against bombing the hospital, and any resulting innocent bloodshed would be the responsibility of Hamas. However, international law prohibits attacks on healthcare facilities, and the allegations made by the Israeli military cannot be verified. The World Health Organization emphasizes that healthcare must always be protected, and it is impossible to evacuate hospitals without endangering lives.
Rabbis in Chicago attended the funeral of a 6-year-old Palestinian boy who was stabbed 26 times by his landlord in a suspected hate crime. The rabbis expressed their condemnation of the attack and their hope for peace, despite the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The murder has shocked the nation, with President Biden also condemning it as a "horrific act of hate." The suspect has been charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, hate crimes, and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Two rabbis, Aaron and Nathaniel Sommer, were sentenced to probation by Judge Kevin Russo for their role in the deadly Evergreen Court Home fire. The rabbis admitted to acting recklessly but had no prior criminal history and were known for their charitable work. The sentencing sparked outcry from the families of the victims and firefighters, who called for jail time. Rockland District Attorney Thomas Walsh defended the plea agreement, stating that the case was unprecedented and going to trial carried the risk of an acquittal. The lenient sentence has been criticized, with calls for Walsh and Russo to resign.