Argentinian Chief Rabbi attacked in his home
The Chief Rabbi of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina, Gabriel Davidovich has been savagely beaten by robbers inside his own home in Buenos Aries.
Rabbid Gabriel Davidovich
The World Jewish Congress is shocked and incensed by the brutal attack.
WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer said: “Both Rabbi Davidovich and his wife were seriously wounded in this assault, which was carried out by assailants who had apparently been monitoring their home prior to perpetration. During the assault, the attackers singled out Rabbi Davidovich as a Jew, and said, ‘We know that you are the AMIA rabbi,’ a disturbing and worrisome fact that raises serious concerns about the nature of this attack,” Singer said.
“An investigation is currently underway, and we are grateful that the authorities in Buenos Aires and Argentina are treating this matter with the severity and concern that it deserves,” Singer said. “It is not yet clear whether this was a targeted crime of hateful antisemitism or a barbaric criminal act, but we trust that the authorities will continue to do everything in their power to determine the motive and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
“Claudio Epelman, Executive Director of the WJC’s affiliate, the Latin American Jewish Congress, is in constant and direct contact with Argentina’s Minister of Security, as well as with AMIA and the umbrella Jewish organization Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas, to monitor the situation and extend all support needed,” Singer said. “We hope that the initial findings will be clarified as quickly as possible, to ensure that the appropriate punitive action is taken.”
“We wish Rabbi and Rebbetzin Davidovich a speedy recovery and stand with our community in Argentina in condemning this senseless brutality. President Mauricio Macri and his administration are close and supportive friends of the community and we know that they will work to protect the community in every way possible,” Singer said. “The WJC and the LAJC will continue to monitor this situation closely and deeply hope that this is an isolated incident that will not occur again.”
The Executive Council of Australian Jewry has reacted strongly to the news of the attack. Co-CEO Peter Wertheim told J-Wire: “The ECAJ is shocked and appalled at the cowardly pre-meditated physical assault upon the Chief Rabbi of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina (AMIA), Gabriel Davidovich, and his wife, when they were savagely beaten by robbers inside their own home earlier today.
The first duty of the government of any country is to ensure the physical safety and security of its citizens, especially within the four walls of their home. Rabbi Davidovich and his wife suffered severe injuries as a result of the attack and there is reason to believe that the attackers knew of his role as Chief Rabbi of AMIA.
It is incumbent on the Argentinian authorities as a matter of priority to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
We stand in complete solidarity with Rabbi and Rebbetzin Davidovich, our colleagues at AMIA and the Argentinian Jewish community. May the Rabbi and Rebbetzin make a complete and speedy recovery and be restored to full strength.”
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with Chief Rabbi Gabriel Davidovich and wished him and his wife a quick recovery. The Prime Minister said: “First of all, on behalf of myself and all citizens of Israel and Jews, I would like to offer our support. I wish you both a full recovery. These wicked criminals should be found as soon as possible.”
President Reuven Rivlin also called saying: “I am calling to find out how you are and to express my concern about the safety of the large Jewish community you lead,” said the president to the Rabbi, adding, “the State of Israel will do everything necessary to protect Jews wherever they choose to live and will take any steps to protect us from danger. We will not allow those who seek our harm us to pursue us.”
The president sent his regards to the Rabbi, and through him to the Jewish community, saying “We trust that you will get better and return to your many responsibilities as Rabbi of your community, and send you a warm embrace from all Israel.”
