Today, Mr. Mark (Moishe) Bane, president of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization – issued the following statement on behalf of the organization with regard to the weekend’s events in Charlottesville, Va.

“The leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America is appalled by the violence and expressions of hatred that took place in Charlottesville, Va. over the weekend.

“Displays of hate, bigotry and racism by those who proudly associate themselves with white supremacy and Nazism are antithetical to the fundamental American values that have made this nation a home to people of diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds.

“We extend our condolences to the family of the deceased and prayers for recovery to the injured. We call upon local, state and federal officials to ensure the perpetrators of the violence are brought to justice and that they simultaneously and vigorously work to heal the rifts revealed by these events and unite all Americans of good will.”

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)