Statement on violence in Israel

Violence, racism and chaos continue on the streets of Israel. We are appalled by what is going on, and terrified of what comes next.

We are watching the scenes in Israel unfold as Arabs and Jews attack one another on the streets. Across the country, we’ve seen an innocent Arab man lynched by an angry mob of Jewish thugs, a Jewish man attacked in Akko by an Arab mob. A synagogue burned down in Lod. Arab store fronts smashed in Bat Yam. To list the countless incidents of endless violence and hurt would be a pointless exercise. We are stunned, and terrified of what comes next. The warning signs have been there all along. As hatred and tensions simmered, leaders were nowhere to be seen. Politics and power grabbing have taken precedent time and time again over peace, justice or cohesion. Bibi Netanyahu has strengthened the far right and provided them a home in the Knesset. In the short time since the election, we have seen them incite hate against non-Jews time and time again. Hamas have seized the opportunity by presented by the unrest. The occupation persists. Chaos unfolds. We hope and pray for the safety of the people  of Israel and Palestine. We vow to continue fighting for peace, equality and justice.