Here is a statement to his congregation from Rabbi Elisha Prero at Young Israel of West Rogers Park in Chicago, an Orthodox synagogue….
DSD…
Shortly after the massacre of 11 Jews in Pittsburgh several months ago, I was standing in line at a Dunkin Donuts when an older African American man approached to me and said, “I want to express my condolences for what happened to your people in Pittsburgh.” I was very touched, and I thanked him for his words of comfort.
A few minutes ago, as I stood in line again at a Dunkin Donuts, I noticed a young man with a Moslem head-covering and was reminded of those words. I told him “I am very sorry for what happened in the mosques in New Zealand. It was a terrible thing.” The young man and his father (not wearing Moslem garb) were visibly moved. They both put their hands and their hearts and said, “Thank you” repeatedly”. The young man got up and shook my hand.
Besides proclamations such as the one attached, perhaps even more important at this moment are the opportunities to express our condolences personally and in so doing sanctifying Hashem’s name. You may be uncomfortable talking to a total stranger, but I believe we can make a great impact for good by seeking out and taking advantage of opportunities to communicate a simple message. When you see people who are obviously Moslem, let them know that you are sorry for their loss.
May we be zoche to m’chiyas zecher Amalek and a complete redemption speedily in our days.
Rabbi Prero
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