Orthodox Union condemns Huwara settler rampage: ‘Must never, ever happen again’

The Orthodox Union, a leading US Jewish group, condemns the settler rampage against Palestinians in the West Bank town of Huwara last night and calls for “strong leadership” to address the crisis.

“How can such a thing happen? How could it come to this, that Jewish young men should ransack and burn homes and cars?” says the Orthodox Union’s executive vice president, Rabbi Moshe Hauer. “We can understand the profound anguish at the horrific murder of young and dear friends. We can appreciate the frustration with the ongoing attacks on Jews and the lack of a decisive and effective army response. But we cannot understand or accept this.”

“Attacking a village does not deserve to be called ‘taking the law into your own hands.’ This is not the law; this is undisciplined and random fury,” Hauer says in a statement. “Actions like these demonstrate the critical need for clear and strong leadership. We need to speak consistently and clearly, pledging security and a decisive response to those who commit acts of terror and violence against Jews, but absolutely condemning and decrying indiscriminate violence committed by Jews against anyone, anywhere.”

“What happened yesterday must never, ever happen again,” Hauer says.