Statement in Support of the Jewish Community of Falmouth, Massachusetts

The Board of Rabbis of Greater Rhode Island condemns the defacement of an Israeli flag with anti-Semitic symbols at the Falmouth Jewish Congregation in nearby Falmouth, Massachusetts. The flag was found on the grounds of the congregation right after the end of Yom Kippur last Thursday. We express our support for the congregation and their spiritual leader, Rabbi Elias Lieberman, for all their work in confronting anti-Semitism.

"We have seen a disturbing increase in anti-Semitic vandalism in our region over the past year," says Rabbi Sarah Mack, President of the Board of Rabbis. "Anti-Semitic messages were placed on street signs in Johnston last December and a Jewish cemetery in Fall River was vandalized with anti-Semitic messages last March. We need to make it clear that expressions of hate and bigotry have no place in our communities."