The leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America issued the following statement today with regard to the vandalism perpetrated last night upon a Reform synagogue in Ra’anana, Israel.

“The leadership of the Orthodox Union strongly condemns Wednesday’s defacing of a Reform synagogue in Ra’anana and the hateful messages and threats targeting individual Jews for harm.

The perpetrators appear to assert in their messages that their behavior is a reflection of traditional Torah values. The Orthodox Union vehemently rejects this assertion, and does not condone such behavior. We support the condemnation of this attack by the Prime Minister of Israel and his commitment to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Torah’s ways are ways of pleasantness. Disagreements within the Jewish community — over fundamental issues and challenges to authentic Torah theology — must be conducted with civility. There is no justification for resorting to vandalism, violence or even the threat of violence.”