We witnessed in the last few days frequent violations, burning and desecration of holy places and cemeteries. Those criminal acts have not been limited to one place, but extended to Galilee and Jaffa. Few radicals stand behind them.
We face a new phenomenon of violence inside the State, which is responsible for the security and safety of all, and especially of the places of worship.
These incidents have nothing to do with religion and do not serve the state interests, but threaten security and peaceful coexistence among citizens. Therefore, we condemn those acts, and call upon all the institutions, especially the State, to bear responsibility.
On this occasion, we hope that the Israeli government and its agencies, besides condemning and paying solidarity visits, will continue taking serious measures to bring the perpetrators and those who stand behind them to justice and to reexamine the role of the state in educating its citizens to respect religious diversity and pluralism.
We pray the Almighty for inspiring all, leaders and people, and especially those who tend to violence and desecration of holy sites, to work together for building a better society in which religions play a constructive role.
October 8, 2011
