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“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  May those who love her prosper.” (Psalm 122:6)

We at Temple Sinai deplore the outbreak of violence that targeted the leaders and supporters of the Reform Movement at the Western Wall in Jerusalem earlier today. Gathering peacefully to read Torah in recognition of the upcoming ordination of four Israeli Reform rabbis, including the ordination of the 100^th Israeli Reform rabbi, overly zealous security guards attempted to intervene to silence the processional. The actions of the guards initiated a confrontation in which the Reform delegation was physically assaulted.  During the commotion, Ultra-Orthodox antagonists joined the melee and attempted to steal a Torah scroll from the hands of Rabbi Anat Hoffman of the Israel Religious Action Center.

We believe this latest incident is a further reflection of the extremist ideology expressed by those administering the Western Wall who have been empowered by the current government’s failure to uphold the agreement to ensure the Kotel is a place open to pluralistic Jewish prayer.  We remain steadfast in our resolve and will continue to express our love for Israel by working for an Israel that accurately reflects the vibrant tapestry of Jewish expression.