Statement from Mr. Naftali Silberberg, Secretary, Congregation Netzach Yisroel on behalf of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Rottenberg, their family and the entire Congregation:
First and foremost, we would like to publicly proclaim our thanks to the One Above who performed a modern-day Chanukah miracle. Last night’s brutal attack sent shock waves through our community and around the world; yet, with G-d’s help, the casualties were less extensive than what might have been. Our hearts and prayers are with all those who were injured, especially the elderly congregant who remains in critical condition at this time.
We would like extend our deepest appreciation to the myriad emergency response crews, police and official dignitaries, including local, state and federal officials who sprang into action with impressive readiness,
professionalism and concern. Chief Weidel and the Ramapo Police Department, local law enforcement agencies, Rockland County Sherriff Falco, NYS Police Major Michael and the State Troopers, and the FBI; Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht, DA Elect Tom Walsh, Legislator Aaron Weider, Senator Carlucci, and all the many emergency responders including Hatzalah, Chaveirim and units beyond Rockland County including the NYPD. Your quick actions saved lives and led to the capture of the evil perpetrator.
Our thanks to Governor Cuomo whose visit this morning made the vital public statement that action against hatred will be swift. Israeli consul general in NY, Ambassador Danny Dayan’s warm words of encouragement and support underscored the message that Jews around New York and around the world stand united as one.
Following last night’s attack, Rabbi Rottenberg continued with his weekly Sabbath closure ceremonies known as Melave Malka. With singing and dancing the Rabbi and his congregants declared their gratitude for the lives saved and exemplified the message of ‘we will persevere’. “I thank Hashem for the open miracles we saw last night. Though we must all take the precautions that have unfortunately become basic security necessities – locking our shul and school doors and having an emergency preparedness plan – we will forge forward in faith and thanks that we continue to live under G-d’s ultimate protection.”
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5 Responses
How about a thank you Yosef Eli Glick?He put his life on the line to fight off the attacker and get the license plate number of the murderer.
Yosef Eli Glick, on behalf of Klal Yisroel, I thank you. Your courage is exemplary.
why in the world are they thanking cuomo , his idiotic policies and deblassios have created this nightmare, stay tuned for bail reform when 3500 hundred prisoners are released , this is just the begining you can not put the genie back in the bottle, this is a wake up call to the jewish community.
Gratitude also to those men in the house who attached the perp with tables and chairs, sending him running before even more damage was done. They did the right thing!
As for Cuomo, does he really need more photo ops while we bleed?
Above should read “attacked the perp with….”
With all due respect to Rabbi Rottenberg. We’re all grateful to Hashem that he and all others were spared and this tragedy wasn’t G D forbid way worse. But an innocent question to you Rabbi Rottenberg; when a man is still fighting for his life, and for that matter when your son was also still being treated, how in the world can you celebrate in such a celebratory way?
To thank Hashem and singing praises to Him is very beautiful but to dance and sing “en masse” with celebrations such as torches as if everything and everyone is perfectly ok, is extremely questionable.
Help me if I’m wrong. Too many people have expressed concern over this.