The Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Boston joins Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in deploring the despicable desecration on Thursday of the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and Fish near the Sea of Galilee in Tabgha, Israel. As the Prime Minister said, “This outrageous arson attack on a church is an attack on us all. In Israel, freedom of worship is one of our core values and is guaranteed under the law. Those responsible for this despicable crime will face the full force of the law. Hate and intolerance have no place in our society.”

The area of the church is one of the most significant in Christianity and this heinous attack inflicts deep pain on our Christian brothers and sister. The JCRC of Greater Boston stands in solidarity with the Christian community, both in Israel and worldwide during these dark days. This attack undermines cherished values of an Israeli democracy, and most disturbing, points to an increasing crisis of intolerance within a vocal and violent minority. The American Jewish community must support the Israeli government and people in taking bold steps to reject these acts and to confront the hatred that underlies them.