The Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor is heartbroken and devastated by the news that six hostages, among them American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin z”l, were executed by Hamas in recent days. Hersh’s story has touched the hearts of people around the world through the tireless advocacy of his parents Rachel and Jon.
We mourn the loss of these innocent victims of Hamas brutality, Hersh, Eden Yerushalmi z”l, Carmel Gat z”l, Almog Sarusi z”l, Alex Lubnov z”l, and Ori Danino z”l.
Our hearts are with their families and loved ones. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
We pray for the safe and immediate return of all the remaining hostages and implore the Israeli government and the international community to do everything in their power to bring them home.
READ: Statements from the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris, and the news reports from Times of Israel.
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This morning, as we began to absorb the shock of this heartbreaking news, residents of multiple Ann Arbor neighborhoods woke to find antisemitic fliers left on their driveways by members of a small network of virulently antisemitic provocateurs called the “Goyim Defense League” or GDL. According to the ADL, the GDL operates in a number of states around the country, typically in college towns. We are aware that similar incidents happened in Louisiana, California, and Virginia during the past week.
The fliers this morning follow several local incidents last week, including vandalism of the Embracing our Differences banners at Gallup Park and a series of offensive stickers placed around UM’s campus and along Liberty Street in downtown Ann Arbor.
All of these disturbing incidents have been reported to the Ann Arbor Police Department (AAPD) and the local FBI office, who are coordinating efforts to identify the perpetrators. If you are aware of fliers or other incidents of antisemitic vandalism, please contact the AAPD to report.
Washtenaw County’s Jewish organizations, the national Secure Community Network (SCN), and the ADL have all been notified of these incidents, thanks to the leadership of greater Ann Arbor’s Jewish Community Security Manager Shane Dennis. We will continue to work with local law enforcement as they monitor the situation on our behalf. In addition, we thank Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor and City Council Member Travis Radina for their messages of solidarity in response to these incidents.
As always, community members should be vigilant and aware of their surroundings and should report anything concerning to the proper authorities. In addition to contacting law enforcement, please make a report via the community’s Incident Reporting Form.
It has been a difficult 331 days for many in our community, and the incidents of the last few days contribute to our anger, concern, and fear. We encourage you to find ways to connect with the community and participate in any of the upcoming opportunities to gather together with meaning and joy. You can learn about upcoming events on our local Jewish Community Calendar.
L’Shalom,
Eileen Freed
CEO, Jewish Federation of Greater Ann Arbor
Marla Linderman Richelew
President, Board of Directors
Shane Dennis
Greater Ann Arbor Jewish Community Security Manager
Rabbi Asher Lopatin
Director, Jewish Community Relations Committee (JCRC)