(The following statement is issued by the Presidium of the Rabbinical Alliance of America.)
The Rabbinical Alliance of America (Igud Harabonim) representing over 750 Orthodox Rabbis calls upon world Jewry to support the people and government of Israel as it faces the latest onslaught of terrorism and maniacal acts of brutality against innocent men, women and children residing in the holy city of Jerusalem and throughout the land of Israel.
These most recent cruel attacks against unarmed civilians by vile terrorist – who receive instruction and support from the PLO and Hamas – brings us to conclude beyond any reasonable doubt that there exists no “two-state “ solution to bring stability and peace to the region.
Any talk of ceding territory or autonomy to Israel’s avowed enemies is counter productive and endangers Jewish lives and the lives of all who dwell in Israel regardless of ethnicity or religion.
According to Jewish Law (Halacha) it is prohibited for any government to cede land or territory to a mortal enemy.
This Halachic ruling (based firmly on Torah which is called Toras Chayim) is clearly stated in the Code of Jewish Law (Orach Chayyim Chapter 329) applies to every locality where a dangerous entity threatens the wellbeing of inhabitants.
How much more this Torah law is applicable to the land and people of Israel, who are surrounded by many enemies who seek their destruction, Heaven forefend.
In light of the recent heinous meat-cleaver murders of Sages of Torah in midst of prayer in Har Nof, Jerusalem, reminiscent of the pogroms in Europe, and the pogrom in Hebron while under the British Mandate, we call upon the government of Israel to mete out complete justice upon the perpetrators and their supporters and to suspend all talk of negotiations with the enemy.
The response of Israel must be to broaden the YISHUV of our brethren in Israel by building new homes and institutions throughout Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and thus increase the security of its law-abiding citizens.
We extend our condolences to the bereaved families and call for additional prayers and charity in the days ahead to ward off the evil decree and to hasten the arrival of the true redemption through Moshiach and universal peace, Amen.
Kislev 9, 5775 – December 1, 2014
Rav Shmaryahu Shulman,
Honorary President;
Rav Hanania Elbaz,
Rav Yehoshua Hecht,
Rav Yaakov Klass,
Rav Yaakov Spivak,
Members of the Presidium;
Rav Gershon Tannenbaum,
Exec. Director
