Realizing that violence from neighboring Shuafat may provoke a violent response and possibly lead to a most unwanted cycle of violence, rabbonim in Ramat Shlomo have released a call for calm among all concerned.

Since the kidnapping of Muhmad Abu-Khenin from Shuafat on 4 Tammuz 5774, rioting has been ongoing in that Arab area of the capital as well as other areas in Jerusalem and around Israel.

The rabbonim are also concerned with the reality that youths from Ramat Shlomo have been protesting against the Arab protests, which they fear will fuel the flames of conflict and violence.

As a result of the worrisome reality today, rabbonim of the community sent a letter to the community’s residents in the hope of calming the situation.

The letter begins “We are in a difficult period as our enemy has lifted his head and murdered three of our brothers HY”D and what we feel in our hearts is understood and known but we trust and believe in HKBH and a Toras Chaim and our way is not their way. Hashem is the God who avenges them but we must not be dragged into violence of any kind”.

The rabbonim explain Ramat Shlomo neighbors Bnei Yishmael” and the situation is a fragile one that can erupt in a moment, possibly deteriorating to a most serious reality.

The rabbonim call on the community’s youths to stop their anti-Arab protests and to distance themselves from any and all violence.

Signed to the open letter are:

הרב מסעוד אלחדד, הרב אליהו ארביב, הרב דוד ברדוגו, הרב אליהו בר שלום, הרב מתתיהו דייטש, הרב יוסף יצחק הבלין, הרב דב אהרן זלזניק, הרב שלמה מדינה, הרב דוד אריה מורגנשטרן, הרב אריה אברהם סמג’ה, הרב מרדכי פרידלנדר והרב שמחה רבינוביץ.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)