December 17, 2019
Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Janine Walsh | walsh@franciscanaction.org | (203) 685-1856
Franciscans Sickened By Vandalism at Nessah Synagogue
Washington, D.C. – The Franciscan Action Network was sickened to hear of the vandalism that happened this past weekend at the Nessah Synagogue in Beverly Hills, California. Police are classifying it as a hate crime and calling it “cowardly.” However, after the targeted attack on an Orthodox Jewish community in Jersey City, New Jersey last weekend, we can’t help but feel both instances are symptoms of the hatred and white supremacy which our current administration espouses.
FAN Executive Director, Patrick Carolan said, “Franciscans hold a deep commitment to peace which manifests itself in our relational acceptance of other faith traditions. We work hard to build tolerance and understanding of all religions. It was shocking to hear that someone would treat sacred spaces and items with such disregard.”
Both of these examples are reminders that we must work harder to disarm hate. We are keeping the members and congregants of Nessah Synagogue and all our Jewish sisters and brothers, in our prayers. In addition, FAN recommits ourselves to continue working for a respectful, tolerant, and peaceful society.
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