Reconstructing Judaism and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association condemn and are saddened by the recent terror attacks by Palestinian extremists against Israeli soldiers, police and civilians in the West Bank and Jerusalem. In the past week, two attacks near the settlement of Ofra have claimed the lives of two Israeli soldiers and a prematurely delivered infant, and have wounded nine Israelis. We mourn those who have been killed and we pray for speedy and thorough healing for all those wounded. Terrorism is never justified, and attacks like these increase the potential for escalating violence as Israeli forces respond with intensified measures in the West Bank. We urge the leaders of all parties to prioritize the sanctity of human life, to deescalate the current flaring of violence, and to seek pathways back to good faith efforts to negotiate a just and lasting future of dignity and peace.
