Worcester Jewish Community Reacts to Attacks at Jerusalem Synagogue

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Patrick Sargent, GoLocal Worcester Contributor

On Tuesday, two Arab terrorists murdered four rabbis at a synagogue in Jerusalem. Of the four rabbis, one was Rabbi Moshe Twersky, son of former Harvard scholar and Boston rabbi, Isodore Twerksy. Two other rabbis were also from the United States. The fourth was from England.

The attack occurred at Kehilat Bnai Torah Yeshiva Synagogue. The terrorists entered the synagogue during morning prayers armed with guns, axes, and knives.

Worcester Reacts to Attacks

"I'm shocked and appalled and outraged," said Adam Levine, of Worcester. "Two people went into a synagogue during a time when Jews were in prayer, and these two animals went in and killed innocent people who were praying and trying to uplift themselves and their families."

"It's a despicable act, perpetrated by terrorists who are bent on disrupting any potential for reconciliation between the two groups," said Howard Borer, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Massachusetts.

Levine said, "This isn't a very easy situation to process and it's not an easy situation to understand, but I think what it boils down to is that Jews want to live their lives and not live a life in fear."

Across the state of Massachusetts, Levine thinks the reaction will be "nothing short of outraged."

How Will Israelis React?

Rabbi Twerksy and the three other rabbis were taking part in Aliyah, the immigration of Jews to Israel.

More than 3 million Jews have made Aliyah since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. "I'm sure there will be some kind of retribution for this act," said Borer. "I would hope that the Israeli government would act with care and caution, and take the matters into their own hands and see what they need to do in a measured and responsible manner."

"At the end of the day, the Israelis are going to have to take drastic steps," said Levine. "If you look at any society or at any government, their main job is to protect their citizens."

Borer said, "It's a tragedy. Any loss of life is a tragedy, but for this loss of life being perpetrated in a synagogue, in a holy place of worship, is even more despicable. Any taking away of life is abhorred, but the way this was done is particularly upsetting to not only the Jewish community, but communities around the world, regardless of religious belief.'