July 17, 1999
|
I just want you to know that I am thinking of your community now
in your
time of need. I think that it is absolutely horrid that all of this
hatred still exists. It is this kind of violence and close mindedness
that will conitnue to hold this country back. As a college educated
individual, I just do not understand how people can still continue to
act in this way. Have they learned nothing from the past? I am very
sorry for everything that has happened in your community and I will pray
for peace.
Letisha Luecking |
Dear B'nai Israel,
As the granddaughter of a Holocaust survivor, as a Jew, and as a
decent human being, I express my deepest regret for what happened to your
synagogue and the two others that were burned.
I just happened to come upon this website as I was wandering through
the Internet. The article posted says that the director of the national
Anti-Defamation League called this one of the worst attacks in twenty
years.
I had no idea this happened only about a month ago. If there was a press
release, I did not see it. I am in Michigan. Was there much national
coverage of this?!
B'Shalom,
Erica Davis
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
|
I have a fairly large library of Judaica and I'd like to donate
most of
it to your shul, to replace some of what you lost. When I first
converted 8 years ago, I thought I would attend rabbinical school
somewhere, so I prepared. Now my life is somewhat simpler, and I don't
need so much tangible evidence of my Jewishness ;-)
I don't have the whole list. My preference would be just to ship it off
to you, but if you want a list to pick from, let me know.
I'm just sick about what happened. Similar things, on much smaller
scales, happened periodically at the shuls in Lowell, Massachusetts,
where my roots are. It doesn't hurt less because you're strangers.
Please let me know if my simple offering could be of help.
charla mustard-foote
alameda, california |
I have felt great sadness about the loss of so many wonderful
historical
and educational documents, but even more, the fact that this hatred has
reared its ugly head in the Sacramento community. I offer your community
my moral outrage and support, and feel shame that any of those who may
have perpetrated this crime in any way identify themselves as Christian.
To read, see and hear from Jewish community members who are focusing on
rebuilding and strength in unity is an inspiration. I have a good book
on Anglo-Jewish and Dutch trade in the eighteenth century called
"Diamonds and Coral" by G. Yogev which I will send to your new library.
Your cause will always be in my prayers.
Wishing your community much strength,
Laura L. France |
|
July 9, 1999
|
I got an email from Maryland copying
Alan Cantons original.
I send you all my family's and community's love with the hope that your
library will be rebuilt even bggerand better than the old one.
I have sent Alan's email to all my friends and have asked them to send
you a
cheque for your fund. My own was mailed today.
Kind regards
Mike Greene
The Red House
Aldenham
Hertfordshire
WD2 8BA
England |
Subject: been a Jew it is not easy.
but I would like to say Thank God we are jewish and what ever it takes
to be a jewish.please stay united and be always happy. I know you are
going throw hard time,may God be with you. love you all,ofer ben-svi
from key west,fl
|
Subject: We are not alone
Dear Jewish Community,
The fires are a horrible expression of hate in the world! It took a tragedy
like this to unite people all over the world. Thanks to Mr. Canton who sent
out the longest e-mail we have ever read, support has come from everywhere.
The e-mails will continue to circulate until all the synagogues are rebuilt.
It is our expression of faith in mankind that has dictated this letter.
Arlene and Don Edwards
Mission Viejo, CA
|
|
July 2, 1999
|
I am deeply appalled by the act of antisemitism that struct your
congregation. I can only hope that instead of dividing you that this
horrific act of violance will only make you stronger. Please know that I
will bring this vile act and your plight to Rabbi Schlecter's immediate
attention. My prayers and that of my congregation the LAJC are and will
always be with you.
Debra R. Steinman
|
Friends,
I learned by e-mail of this hateful destruction. May we draw together
and help to restore joy and learning, worship and praise.
Dan Bottorff, Associate Pastor
First United Methodist Church
Westfield, NJ 07090
|
I have the following books. If you are interested in them for
donation,
to help replace those destroyed in your fire, please let me know. (I
figure those in print can be purchased, these are older books I picked
up thru the years.)
GREAT JEWS SINCE BIBLE TIMES by Elma Levinger. 1926 Behrman House NY
A THOUSAND YEARS OF JEWISH HISTORY by Maurice Harris, 1927, Bloch
Publishing House, NY
INTRODUCTION TO JUDAISM by Beryl D. Cohon. 1931 Block Publishing Co. NY
THE HISTORY OF THE JEWS by Abram Sachar, 1953 Alfred A Knoph, NY
A GUIDE FOR REFORM JEWS by Frederic Doppelet and David Polish, 1957,
Ktav Publishing House NY
David P. Johnston
Beavercreek, OH 45440-3372( |
At the General Assembly in Salt Lake City last weekend, members of
the
Unitarian Universalist Community Church and the Unitarian Society of
Sacramento worked to introduce and pass an Action of Immediate
Witness (AIW).
Thanks to the hard work of many people from both congregations, the immediacy
and importance of the issue, and the power of both congregations speaking
with one voice at the plenary sessions, the AIW passed unanimously on Monday
afternoon, June 28. We will continue to work together with the Unitarian
Universalist Association (UUA) and Unitarian Universalist Service Committee
(UUSC) to ensure that the actions described in b) and c) below become a
reality. To learn more about the events, go to www.sacbee.com/news/special/arson.
Information from GA may be found at www.uua.org/ga.
For further information
on local efforts, contact Karen Gunderson of UUCC at cagy@aol.com or Rich
Howard of UUSS at RHowardA@aol.com.
Condemnation of Arson at Sacramento Synagogues
In the early morning hours of Friday, June 18, 1999, three synagogues in
Sacramento, California, were set on fire. The three synagogues - Congregation
B'nai Israel, Congregation Beth Shalom, and Knesset Israel Torah
Center - suffered over $1,000,000 worth of damage, including a library with a
2,000 year old bible and videos of holocaust survivors. Anti-semitic
flyers were left at each scene, and the FBI is investigating the arsons as hate
crimes. Immediately after the events, the Sacramento interfaith
community rose as one
in support and solidarity with the three congregations.
These acts of violence strike at our most deeply held principles. Wecondemn
all such acts of hatred and intolerance. The 1996 General Assembly
decried
the burning of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of
worship. We
do so again.
As Unitarian Universalists, we want our voices to be heard.
Therefore, the 1999 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist
Association requests that:
a) Individual Unitarian Universalists continue to speak out in
condemnation
of such acts of desecration and destruction;
b) The Unitarian Universalist Association convey our sympathy to and
solidarity with the congregations of the three synagogues; and
c) The Unitarian Universalist Association, in conjunction with the
Unitarian
Universalist Service Committee, on behalf of the Unitarian
Universalist
movement as a whole, make an appeal to all Unitarian Universalist
congregations to assist Sacramento Interfaith projects, such as the proposed
Museum of Tolerance, which will address the climate of intolerance and hate
which led to these crimes. |
|
June 30, 1999
|
Dear Friends:
Many years ago I enjoyed the love shown by your
congregation when
I attended several wonderful functions at your temple with my friends the
Bories family. Even though I was not of the Jewish faith I felt welcome
and loved while I was in the presence of your members. I know that your
library will rise again and your temple will recover from this atrociaous
act of arson. I will pray for the perpetrators of this crime to be
caught and for your temple to be restored quickly and your congregation's
hearts to be healed from this awful crime.
Blessings to you all,
Thala Stickler Wolin
|
I just hope that whovever did it is caught, convicted, and
sentenced to
the maximum for arson in California.
Oscar Kirzner
Tulsa, OK
|
|
June 29, 1999
|
An attack on one holy place is an attack on all holy places.
your loss goes so deep, not just the buildings and papers as valuable as
they were, but the real loss is the sense of safety and community that
has been disturbed...and disturbed I hope for us non-Jews as well for we
must protect all of us or we can protect no one.
I still cry and rage at the thought that the arsonist may just get away
with this.
May you rebuild bigger and better!
Diana L. Henderson
Monterey, CA
|
Greetings
I am sending this email as a gesture of solidarity and sympathy.
Racial/religious hatred and persecution is a horrible thing, as far away as
Australia we hear of these events and are deeply disturbed.
We shall be praying for your community as it works to recover from this
event.
yours sincerely
Bruce Edgerton
Environmental Research Group |
To:
B'nai Israel Congregation
Sacramento CA
and:
Alan N. Canton
Vice President
Adams-Blake Publishing
abpub@ns.net
I have seen Alan Canton's message copied to an email list based in the
USA that
I read, and have passed it on to an email list of the Uniting Church in
Australia (UCA) <http://www.uca.org.au>.
Speaking on my own behalf, I hope that there are blessings that becomes obvious
to the Congregation as you recover from this sad event, which you unfortunately
share with two other Congregations in Sacramento.
I offer several verses of Holy Scripture for your prayerful
consideration:
Leviticus 19:17-18
Exodus 13: 21-22
Deuteronomy 32:34, 43
I pray that your blessings may be great.
Peter R. Ellis
member at
Kippax Uniting Church
< http://www.kippax.org.au >
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
the Capital city of Australia |
I'm crying. Someone sent me an e-mail talking about the
firebombing and the next Sabbath service. Hoping this was a
hoax, I sent it on to a friend, for verification. He'd been out
of touch also. So I looked on the internet, and it is true. A
check is in the mail.
Maybe one day, the world will be a safe and accepting place. I
hope it's not before the human race is extinct.
Gloria Krusemeyer
Northfield, MN
gloria@microassist.com |
|
June 28, 1999
|
I do not know what to say other than I am saddened by arson
attacks, and my
heart goes out to all were affected by this terrorism.
Sincerely,
Jim DeLouise
|
Dear Congregation B'nai Israel,
Having just gotten news of the despicable incidents of anti-semitism
involving your congregation and two others in the area, I am writing to let
you know that I and my family in Brookline, Massachusetts are thinking of you
and will keep you in our thoughts.
Sincerely,
Elliot Glickler |
When one of us is attacked, all of us are attacked.
A check is in the mail. I wish I could do more.
Chuck Freedman |
Hello,
My name is David Crohn and I am the fellow who visited last Thursday from
Riverside. You have done a wonderful job with your web site. I would like
to congratulate you and your entire congregation on transcending such a
terrible situation and instead creating a space for unity and community
support. You should be very proud of yourselves.
I spoke to some of the membership here at Temple Beth El and we will also
try to contribute books so that you may restore your library as soon as
possible.
Shalom,
David Crohn
|
|
June 27, 1999
|
Another horrible display of hatred ..learned at an early age.
Thank God
there are Good people of other religions who reach out to help,
something for which we should be thankful. |
I am greatly saddened by this news. It shows that indeed,
anti-Semitism has
not lessened in these United States. Being a gentile does not decrease my
anger about this situation, nor does it give cause for a deficit of
compassion for you, the Jewish people. I don't know how I can be of help on
this particular matter, as I reside in Florida, but if there's anything I can
do, please don't hesitate to notify me.
Sincerely, Alexis Posey |
We are appalled by the arson destruction of the Sacramento
synagogues.
One of your members wrote a first-hand account which was published in our
Los Angeles Jewish Journal. The article was also read in our synagogue
today. The information regarding the "Unity Fund" was also given.
We had damage to our synagogue due to the 1994 earthquake. We received a
lot of help in rebuilding from the Jewish community. It helped us to know
that we were not alone and that other people cared.
May you feel strength from knowing that your fellow Jews and non-Jews are
trying to help you through this difficult time.
Larry & Judy
Sherman Oaks, CA
Temple Adat Ari El
Judy Lederich-Mayer
|
Dear Sir:
I help run the Junior Congregation at my Shul. Every year at Tu-Beshvat we
pass out JNF boxes and collect money and in September we kind of decide where
part of the money will go.
Please send me a mailing address and i will ask the children in September
when we meet if they want to donnate part of their Tzdeka money to help
re-build your library.
I will need a thank you letter, something I can read to the kids at Shul on
a Saturday morning.
Thanks
Alan Levitt
2551 E. 26th Street
Brooklyn NY
11235
|
Somehow there are those who hate that never give up. It is a
prank to them,
a weak form of fun. All my life I have seen wanton destruction with just the
purpose of leaving ones own mark on things...whether it be ashes or grafitti.
This juvenile mentality is the hardest thing to combat. It is a product of
the lowest of self esteems...it is a human condition that is wholly
taught and trained in early years and carried on to adulthood...like a cancer
that never dies.
The only solution I see is providing a cost for such an expression
that is far more painful than one can risk. Even thinking of such
representatively hateful acts must evoke fear to the think...perhaps
public ridicule and execution...in the town square.
Harmon Brody
Miami, FL |
That was a very informative web page you posted recently. I
don't know when
it went up, but I saw it Friday night for the first time. Why don't you also
post a wish list for what you need, especially book titles, and let readers
respond with specific committments. Also post where money can be sent. A
woman with a publishing firm has circulated her impressions and offered to
take checks made out to the synagogue. I circulated it, and the response is
that people are wary to send it to the address. Please send donations to B'nai Israel or the Unity Fund only
(see previous page).
I found another e-mail address on aol: bnaiisarael, but got to response
there. Is anyone checking it?
Also, I would like to tell you that I was surprised there is so much activity
of hate groups in Sacramento. Tallahassee is a similar capital city in a
growing state with a heterogenous population, albeit somewhat smaller both in
overall population and probably Jewish population (I estimate 3 per cent
here). I've heard of none of that here. I double checked that with the head
of intelligence at our police department. Did you have any warnings before
this event? Ours is a large building on a major highway, and we are
vulnerable to breakins. Do you have any advice other than to ask for incresed
patrols from the P.D. and the sheriff's office?
Linda Miklowitz |
I was horrified to hear about the attacks on our synagogues.
Our legislator
Eleanor Sobel is sending you some mail. I publish a newsletter for our
community which is largely Jewisdh. Is ther anything i can put in in
terms
of help you need. Robert Goodman, Editor |
My children and I would like to donate some of our Jewish and
non-Jewish
books to help rebuild your library. I am also in contact with the two
Synagogues in this area to collect donations. Where should these items be
sent?
B'Shalom,
Darla Hall and family
|
|
June 25, 1999
|
My dear chaverim,
When I heard of the arson attacks, I felt like I had just learned that there
was a death in the family. My heart & thoughts are with you. I would
feel
the loss even if the objects of attack were places of worship of other
religions -- but it wouldn't have felt like violation of my home, quite as
deeply. Every time I read more or hear more about these events, my face
streams with tears.
Yes, education and strong, unified action of the community, microcosm and
macrocosm, is the only way to fight hate, fear and destruction. My heart is
lightened when I see how good people have rallied to support the three bereft
congregations, and the good citizens of Sacramento. As we well know, and
perhaps the most poignant lesson of The Holocaust, is that all it takes for
evil to thrive, is for good men to do nothing.
I have fought hate-groups since my mother educated me what they cost us all.
It is, unfortunately, an on-going battle we must never abandon, till the last
vestige of such inhumanity and ungodliness, is banished from the Earth.
We've waged the fight here in Las Vegas, in recent years; but even the Jewish
community establishment was slow to awaken to the danger, urging people not
to publicly demonstrate or speak out, not admitting that the problem is never
an isolated incident. I suffer, we all suffer, when any of us is in pain,
whether conscious of it or not. I'm pained that it has taken the burning of
three synagogues in the same hour, in your fair city, to grab the attention
of good people everywhere, to be vigilant, proactive, and active, in
opposition to hateful acts. Kosovo, and Bosnia, and Somalia, and the
"killing fields" of Cambodia, and a fire-bombed Mississippi church where
little girls in Sunday School are burned alive, and Auschwitz, live in the
hearts of evil-doers, everywhere, if anywhere.
Let us pray that your loss is a call to action of good people everywhere,
which keeps any other such act of hatred from being committed upon your
community, and any- where, another place, any other time.
Shabbat Shalom! May this sabbath bring some peace to your hearts.
Sincerely,
Shelley M. Copeland |
Dear Congregants,
My son and his girlfriend were welcomed into your congregation many times
when they owned a home in Sacramento. I am from Gastonia, NC where we just
had a small hate crime at our tiny temple. An Eagle scout candidate from the
congregation was building a handicapped ram at the Temple, and someone or a
group stole all his lumber. This project had just gotten good local publicity.
Your situation is a real tragedy.
My daughter, Nicole is the executive director of Congregation Beth Shalom in
Seattle, and I have forwarded the letter to her to share with their
congregants.(.referring to the letter sent out on the internet.). I have
shared this letter, including commentary on hate and anti-semitism with many
of my Christian friends as well.
I would like to send you some books- where shall I send them?
Sincerely, Nadine Fox
3704 St. Regis Drive
Gastonia, NC 28056
|
To the Whole Sacramento Jewish Community on their terrible losses:
As a child of 2 holocaust survivors, and having heard about Krystallnacht
from my mother, diretly, I am deeply moved and upset by the tragic loss in the
Sacramento area. 3 Synagogues --- how evocative of the nazi destructions.
Shame on those who did this terrible deed.
May G-d grant you all the strength to recover and rise from these ashes, as
we Jews have always done. May this tragic event serve to strengthen the
overall Achdus (unity) in your Sacramento Jewish Community as well as the
overall California Jewish community, and the whole of these United States.
May it also bring together all corners of your city, state, and country to
confirm that people of all kinds are caring and good.
I wish you all, a Shabbat Shalom.
Yisroel Blumenstein
Valley Village, California |
I feel so sad about the arson of your temple and the two
others. I can only imagine the pain you must all be
feeling. I want to let you know that my heart and prayers
are with you. I am encouraged by all the support that is
coming from the community, from people of all religious
faiths, and the government. Hopefully something positive
will come out of this terrible tragedy, such as the museum
of tolerance, and we will join together to put out the fires
of anti-Semitism and intolerance of all kinds.
I am going to take up a collection at my synagogue and
encourage people to donate money and/ or books. I have the
address for financial contributions (Sacramento Community
Unity Fund), but where should we send books?
Jessica Tunis
Beyt Tikkun Synagogue
San Francisco, CA |
The attack on your temple is an attack on all of us, everywhere,
not just on
us Jews, but on all decent people. This tragedy reminds us how close we are
to earlier times when life was not as secure. The decent people will help you
rebuild. They are with you in spirit. We rejoice there are so many. While
the same books and videos cannot be replaced in the library, theknowledge
endures and new books and videos will outnumber the old ones. We pray for
you. Please contact us with specific requests.
Linda G. Miklowitz, Esq.
Temple Israel Social Action e-mail network
UAHC member
Tallahassee, FL
|
We're deeply saddened to hear about the senseless destruction to
B'nai
Israel. Raphael's grandmother was a member. She passed away in 1994. Our
hearts are with you. Love, Raphael & Sarah Kauffman, San Francisco
ribetkauf@aol.com
|
Dear Friends of Congregation B'nai Israel,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We were shocked
to hear
about the attack on your congregation last Shabbat. We want you to know that
we are thinking about you and that we support you. May God be with
you.
Sincerely,
Rabbi Rick Schechter
Temple Shalom, Dallas, TX |
I looked around your web page but didn't notice any mention of
needing
money after the fire. If there is a fund, please let me know.
In any case, you have my sympathy.
--Lee Gold
Los Angeles
|
I cried.
robert.fridhandler |
|
June 24, 1999 |
The arson incident is disgusting - it's hard to believe that this
still
exists in the US
Can you tell me the address to send a contribution for the rebuilding ?
thanks
David Freedman |
In 1980 our sanctuary was destroyed by arsonists and we had
the
horrendous task of trying to rebuild. With the aid of the UAHC and insurance
we were able to restore our sanctuary and social hall and to replace and
repair our scrolls and siddurim. The current out pouring of
humanitarian
good will was similarily received by us as well. If I can be of
further
help please let me know. Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult
of times.
Shalom
Rabbi Alan Lachtman
temple Beth David
temple city ca |
To the Congregations of B'nai Israel in Land Park,
Beth Shalom on El Camino
Avenue in Carmichael and Kenesset Israel Torah Center on Morse Avenue my
heart goes out to all of you.
It's hard to believe in this day and age that some people have not
progressed past the prejudices of the generations that came before us. But
in a way it isn't so hard to believe because stupidity breeds stupidity. I
grew up in a household of many prejudices. There was always something
"wrong" with anyone that wasn't exactly like us. I hated it, and
swore that
the children I raised would not think like that. I believe I succeeded in
removing this nasty element from at least my small family.
This is an atrocity that attacks all of us. We have so much to learn from
each other, from all of the different cultures that make up our society as a
whole. To deny any community of people the right to live and worship the way
they believe is an abomination. I only hope the perpetrators of this act
will be caught and dealt with quickly.
You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jacque Ferreri |
|
June 23, 1999 |
Our family was not able to attend the Monday night solidarity
rally,
but we would like to do something tangible to show support for Sacramento
Jews. Will there be a workday or something that we can participate in?
Sincerely,
Dann Hagstrom and family |
Dear Friends,
Our hearts go out to you during this time of shock and anger as, once
again, our people are threatened by Amalek-like, shadowy cowards. Our
rabbi, Stephen Pinsky, this past Shabbat morning during a bat mitzvah,
discussed the tragic situation which affected your congregation. We, as
many other UAHC congregations, stand ready to lend our support.
May all of you go from strength to strength!
Dr. Alan Herzlin, President
Temple Beth Torah
Wellington, FL.
Vice President,
Palm Beach Association of Reform Temples, South Florida Federation of
the Southeast Region of UAHC |
May I express my support for your congregation, and my abhorrence
of
the actions of a few paranoid, insecure, hate-filled souls who perpetrated
these disgusting acts. For even those of us who have no religion their
actions disgust us and cause our souls great pain. To imagine the workings
of their minds is to enter into darkness, fear, despair, and disorganized
thinking that we find so foreign as to be unintelligible, incomprehensible.
There are hundreds of thousands of us who are sickened by these events, for
every one of the perpetrators. Let this give our souls comfort, help us
understand how truly ill these people are, and confirm for us that
tolerance, celebration of differences among us, and mutual support will
prevail every time over these events and the people who cause them.
Neil Flynn, M.D.
Sacramento |
To Congregation B'nai Israel,
I am writing this as the Ritual Chairman of Temple Beth David of the San
Gabriel Valley, in Temple City, California.
Our sanctuary was destroyed by arson back in the early 1980s. Like all
your neighbors and caring friends in Sacramento, our community supported
our efforts to rebuild. When our sanctuary was rededicated, our congregation
was stronger and more vibrant than ever.
I want your congregation to know that their friends at Temple Beth David
in Southern California are thinking of them at this time of great sorrow
and pain. This Friday night, our congregation will be celebrating our
dear Rabbi Alan Lachtman's receipt of an honorary Doctorate of Divinity
degree from HUC last month. During the course of our service, we will be
asking our congregation to sing a special Mi Shebeirach for your
congregation. Perhaps if the wind is blowing in the right direction,
you might hear us....
Shalom,
Susan Kahn Paul
Ritual Chairman,
Temple Beth David of the San Gabriel Valley
|
Dear Congregation B'nai Israel:
I was deeply saddened to read of the horrible attack on your congregation
last Friday morning. Such a massive and misguided assault on religious
institutions, and our Jewish spirituality, profoundly affects all Jews, and
I hope most Americans with a deep sense of anger and determination to
rebuild.
I know that the members of our congregation in Montpelier, Vermont (Beth
Jacob) are truly dismayed at the news. I was encouraged that a major state
and federal law enforcement effort is underway to investigate this atrocious
crime .It is despicable that the horrors of the Kosovo War seem to have
spread to the United States and the American Jewish Community. The survival
of the sefrai Torah is a hopeful sign for the future.
The knowledge that was permanently lost from the destruction of the library
will not be easily replaced. However, I have no doubt that a new library and
center of Jewish learning will triumphantly rise from the ashes.
You will have much rebuilding in the months ahead. In this regard, is there
a fund to which contributions can be sent ?
Shalom
Michael Chernick
Montpelier, Vermont
chernick@together.net |
|
June 22, 1999 |
I'm so sorry that you lost your library - At least no
human lives were lost.
shalom,
Michele Brooks Paularena |
Dear friends,
We share your heartache as well as your resolve to stand up to hatred. We eagerly await
news of what we can do to be of help to Sacramento's Jewish community and to our
sister Reform congregations.
Elias J. Lieberman, Rabbi
Falmouth Jewish Congregation
7 Hatchville Road
East Falmouth, MA 02536
rebelias@capecod.net |
I am not Jewish-- in fact, I am not particularly
religious-- but when I saw the newspaper headline about the temples that were burned
in Sacramento, tears began welling in my eyes. I am very sorry that
this has happened to your synagogue and offer my condolences to your
congregation.
Shalom.
Marceline Therrien
mailto:mtherrien@worldnet.att.net |
Friends:
The membership of Congregation Beth Israel of Austin, Texas was appalled by
the recent firebombings of the three synagogues in the Sacramento area.
In a period marked by a vigorous economy and record
lows of unemployment, anti-Semitism nevertheless has managed to assert its
profound ugliness once again. We join you in your efforts to educate thinking people
everywhere of the dangers of political extremism. We will keep you in our
thoughts and prayers.
Paul Keeper
President, Congregation Beth
Israel
Austin, Texas |
Oh, what a terrible tragedy has befallen your
community. We all grieve
for your loss. The fact racism still thrives in so many parts of the
world is quite distressing.
Please know our thoughts, prayers, and hopes are with you in this period
of turmoil. Know as well the fight against racism and antisemitism
will continue unabated and with renewed vigour.
Dave Abbey (Regina, Sask. CANADA) |
Dear Congregation B'nai Israel,
Our president (of Congregation Beth Shalom of Winter Haven, Florida) gave
the news about your tragedy during our Friday night services. I felt
stabbed in the heart, like someone attacked us all. Mostly, though, I felt
pain for the pain you are suffering. Our Rabbi, Cyrus Arfa, was once your
Rabbi. It's a link that makes me realize how small the world is, and
reminds me that when one of us is hurt, all of us feel it. I just read your
webpage tonight and <saw> the loss. Please know that my heart, like the
hearts of many others in Winter Haven, Florida, is with you.
Joni L. Doddemeade |
Dear Chevrei,
Temple Beth El of Bakersfield extends its condolences to you and your community on
your terrible loss.
It is heartening to read of your resilience and fortitude, and especially of the
example you all set by coming together as a community to lend strength and support
to one another.
A modest contribution from our coffers to yours is forthcoming to
help you in your efforts to recuperate.
May you rise from these ashes stronger than ever.
L'shalom, u'refuah shleimah,
Rabbi Cheryl Rosenstein
Temple Beth El
Bakersfield, CA 93305
RabbiR@lightspeed.net |
| Dear members of the B'nai Israel Congregation, I
read of the arsons through email of one of our rabbis, David Lilienthal. Then I
followed the lead to your website. I think it's horrible what happened. Not only to your
congregation. In one way I'm confident that everything will be restored and will
be nicely rebuilt. Books will come in again. As always we, Jews, will find a
way out, a survival, a survivors way. But as a jewish woman, born after the war (1953),
daughter of two survivors, and mother of two girls, I find it hard to explain all
these things to them. My husband and I are trying to give them the beautiful
heritage of judaism, of being a Jew. Not as often happens in Holland, relate
everything jewish to what happened in the holocaust. Show them to be proud of being
jewish, not being more than someone else, and not being less, maybe a bit different.
To show them that's what makes our world interesting, all people being
different, but alike in worth. That they can add by being jewish and
learn from others. Now that's what I think and feel is the hardest of what happened:
how can we strengthen them and all our youngsters in their faith, not only in
being jewish, but their faith in this world.
We wish you lots of strengths, we hope and expect you'll find a way of
overcoming these deeds, and be stronger ever after!
Monique Belinfante-van Gelder, Venlo, The Netherlands |
Shalom chaverim,
We were shocked and heartbroken at the destruction and can of course only
begin to imagine what you must be going through. I got your URL from the
UAHC, which is how I'm able to contact you.
When I heard the tail end of a news report on National Public Radio on Friday
afternoon, I went to the web to see what I could find ot; the
coverage was minimal, except for AP. But still, nothing was the
equal of your "coverage" on the B'nai Israel web page. When I
read the comments of congregants, the tears just started to roll
down my face and they're
rolling now as I type this.
I don't know what else to say except that you're in our thoughts and our prayers.
Dan Icolari
member, Temple Israel Reform Congregation
Staten Island, N. Y. |
To everyone at Congregation Bnai Israel, I want you to
know that I
share your grief and your anger after the arson attack against your
synagogue.
I hope that you will be able to rebuild speedily.
Gabriel Lampert
Box 4455
Las Cruces NM 88003
(505) 522-0618
gabriel@nmsu.edu |
I was looking at the photos of the arson attack on
your web page and
it saddens me. It doesn't surprise me but it does sadden me. I study
and read about the Holocaust and anti Semitism as often as I can so it does
not surprise me that this could happen in the United States. We Jews
should always remember and Never Forget.
My prayers are with your community. |
My wife and I were very unhappy to hear about your
tragedy. We live
in the Washington, D.C. area, and are thinking about moving to
Sacramento for our retirement. We wonder if this action is
representative of any community sentiment, because we would hate to
move where we are fearful of hatred and prejudice.
Jeff Green and Gail Hill |
To: .Members of the Sacramento community:
My heart goes out to you
all. Thank G-d no one was hurt, and the sifrei Toah were also saved. I
just have a suggestion as to replacing the videos from the Holocaust
survivors - if they had made videotapes for the Shoah Foundation,
maybe you could get copies from them. Be strong. Beverly Geller |
I was very saddened to hear of the terrorism that your
congregation
experienced. I would like to contribute to the rebuilding of your
library.
Perhaps if you can name a book or video that was destroyed, I can
purchase a new copy and have it delivered to you.
Thank you,
Gregory Ramos, RN
94-718 Lumiauau Street, Unit KK201
Waipahu, HI 96797
(808) 671-7297 |
The sense of outrage that we all share when incidents
like this take place,
whether in Argentina or the United States,should bring forth a communal
willingness to share in the healing and in the rebuilding.
I would be very pleased to send some books from my personal collection
after you have a place to put them, probably after rebuilding your
library.
It is tragic that such violence is still part of life in the United States.
Rochelle S. Elstein, Bibliographer
Collection Management
Northwestern University Library
Evanston, IL 60208-2300 |
I'am writing to you from Afikomen in Berkeley. We, in
conjunction with
other independant bookstores in the east bay are trying to come up with a
way to replace some the books that you have lost. We will be offering books
at a discount price if bought for the shul and will be shipping them on to
you after we collect them.
However not wanting to duplicate eachother or send you books you wouldn't
possibly want, we were wondering if you had a wish list you could send on
to us. Perhaps just a list of 'staple' books any help is appreciated. Thank
you, John , manager Afikomen
|
|
| June
21, 1999 |
We are sorry to hear that
your temple was victimized. I will send your
web page address out to our whole congregation. Good luck rebuilding.
Lyn Diamond
webmaster
Temple B'nai Israel
Kokomo, Indiana |
I feel deep sorrow for this
act of terrorism/arson against this temple and
all Jews. I did not believe that anti-Semitism was over in this country, and
I think this horrible act shows my feeling to be true.
I am a member of The Temple in Louisville, Kentucky.
Michael Kretman |
Chaverim,
We are thinking of you with sadness and warmth. All of k'lal yisrael is
with you in this loss, and we will help you to rebuild.
shalom
Cindy Barnard
Oak Park Temple
Oak Park IL |
To the people of Congregation
B'nai Israel,
We join the many throughout the world who are wishing you well as you
recover from this great tragedy. Please know that we stand with you at this
time. Flames of hatred may have destroyed your library and damaged other
parts of the building, but flames can never completely destroy ahavat
yisrael, the love of Israel for one another.
May God grant you strength, courage and hope in the days to come.
Shalom,
Amy Greenbaum, Rabbinic Intern
Temple Beth Sholom
Middletown, Ohio |
Words provide little comfort
at times like this. But, be assured that we in
Brooklyn view these attacks as if we too were the victims.
If there is any immediate need with which we can help, please let me know. I
will write again soon.
Paul Levy, President
Congregation Beth Elohim
Brooklyn, NY |
Dear Congregation B'nai
Israel,
As a librarian,
the child of a survivor,
a deeply-committed Reform Jew, and
member of _Congregation B'nai Israel_ in Jackson, TN,
I take this opportunity to express my sadness at word of the shocking
incident of June 18th.
We have a world in need of repair.
Already, though, I'm sure you're seeing the many good people of all
faiths who are reaching out to help.
Be strong.
-M! |
Dear Members of Congregation
B'nai Israel:
The Congregation B'nai Tzedek Brotherhood, Fountain Valley, is
deeply concerned about the attack on your Synagogue. We stand with
you in this time of need. We are praying for a speedy recovery
from damages to your Synagogue and the the impact on your Congregants. Your
fortitude in dealing with this attack is applauded by the Jewish Community
and the decent citizens of the world.
Darrell Neft, Brotherhood President
Congregation B'nai Tzedek
Fountain Valley, CA |
Please let me express my
condolences and anger at the act of
anti-semitism at your Temple. As someone who still considers myself
a Northern Californian, I am very upset about what has happened.
I am President of the Women of Reform Judaism of Temple Emanuel in
Kensington, Maryland. Please let me know what we can do to assist
you. Do you need financial donations, books, etc.? |
I think the arson attacks are
horrendous. I am in the process of studying Judaism with conversion in
mind. As I heard the news, my heart
sank. The destruction of the library was almost beyond comprehension.
To burn books, any books makes me cry. As much as we have become
attached to this new age of computer usage, my love has always been with
the printed word.
Peace and blessings to all,
Vicki Fleming
Murfreesboro, TN |
June 20, 1999 |
Dear Rabbi Bloom and
Congregants: From the other side of the world, and on behalf of our
entire congregation, Beit Shalom, I would like to send you heartfelt greetings and support
following the terrible arson attack on your synagogue. We feel the outrage of all
civilized people at such unnecessary destruction, and we extend to you the hand of
friendship, one Jewish congregation to another, at this difficult time. May this time of
sorrow strengthen your resolve to be united and purposeful in your mission to be a light
to the nations. We send you Shalom.
Rabbi Lenore Bohm and the Congregants of Beit Shalom, Adelaide, South Australia |
| Dear Rabbi Bloom, clergy
& staff, I was just reading and weeping over the
artcle in our local paper on the synagogue/library fire. I am the librarian for Temple
Beth Zion, Buffalo, NY. We have a good size library (actually 2 in 2 locations) and
I am sure we have many duplicates in storage. What would be the best way to help you? It
would take a while but I might be able to get listings of our duplicates to you and you
could choose what you might use. Please have your librarian contact me and we can work out
some kind of plan. I have also contacted the "Hasafran" Jewish librarian's list
and have asked that there might be some coordination on the list to
help you replace as much as possible.
This is a terrible tragedy. You have my deepest sympathies.
B'shalom
Madeline Davis, Temple Beth Zion Buffalo/Amhers NY |
| Dear Rabbi and congregants: Our
hearts go out to you. We know how you feel - it happened to us about
ten years ago at Temple Sholom in Vancouver. We pray that from such
chaos some good will come.
Arthur Guttman, Past President, Cantorial Soloist, Temple Sholom |
Dear Rabbi and members of
B'nai Israel,
We at Temple Israel of Alameda are deeply saddened by this horrible act,
and our hearts go out to you who have been the victims of this senseless
act of hatred. And while our sympathies are genuine, we would also like
to offer any practical help that you might deem necessary during this
time of both sadness and (now) reconstruction.
We will go through our library and will gladly send you any duplicates
we have of books on our shelves, as well as several boxes of older books
that we were planning to donate to some (any) worthy Jewish group
expressing an interest in them.
On the more positive side, we are grateful that neither humans nor Torah
scrolls were injured or damaged, and we join our prayers to yours that
this tragedy will somehow strengthen your congregation in the long run.
Please feel free to be in touch if there is anything at all that we can
do.Shalom,
Allen B. Bennett
for Temple Israel of Alameda
|
Our heartfelt sympathy goes
to the congregation of B'nai Israel. We feel
your tragic loss. Thank God no-one was hurt.
We are members of Beit Shalom synagogue in Adelaide, South Australia.
All the best and may you be spared any further trouble.
Shalom,
Karen & John Zoanetti. |
I'm so upset about this.
What can I do to help (besides the obvious,
which I'll do: send some money to the building fund)?
I visited Australia three years ago with my wife (remarried in 1994, for
those who remember me) and attended services in a beautiful old
synagogue in downtown Sydney - after being checked out by an off-duty
policeman and going through a metal detector. So far, the danger here
comes from yay-hoo cowards who come running in the dead of night.
My thoughts are with you.
Steve Yaffe |
On behalf of the Social
Action Committee of Park Synagogue in Cleveland
Ohio we would like to express our outrage of the destruction of your library
and that the attack against one Jew is an attack against all of us.
We are a large Conservative congregation and would like to show our
support to you by donating books and/or money to rebuild your library.
Please let us know how we can participate.
Chuck Apple
Park Synagogue
Social Action Committee |