On November 19, 2014 Beth Israel sent out this press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BETH ISRAEL SENIOR RABBI MICHAEL BERK ISSUES STATEMENT ON SYNAGOGUE ATTACK IN JERUSALEM

NOVEMBER 19, 2014, San Diego, CA – We are shocked and saddened by the murders of four rabbis in Jerusalem Tuesday. With broken hearts we send our love and prayers to the families of the victims and we pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.

This act of terror, in the heart of the city considered holy by all three monotheistic faiths, is an insult to religion and should be condemned by all people of faith. There are no mitigating factors to consider when judging this act; it was terror and evil, pure and simple.

The Jewish world is especially sensitive to the murder of Jews praying and studying in their synagogues. It’s happened too frequently in history for us to ignore or take lightly. Such acts unite us and make us firmer in our commitment to Israel, which must be strong and secure.

The best way we can respond to this horrific act is to speak loudly and clearly and say that our religious traditions repudiate acts of terror and the murder of innocents. We pray for calm to prevail and for everyone to do what the biblical author urged upon us: pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Three of the dead rabbis were American citizens, reminding us of the deep bond between the United States and Israel. Now, as in past tragedies, Beth Israel stands with Israel.