Jewish leaders have condemned a brutal attack on Argentina’s Chief Rabbi in his own home.
Rabbi Gabriel Davidovich and his wife, Rebbetzin Davidovich, were seriously wounded in a sickening assault.
An investigation by police authorities in Buenos Aires is ongoing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack.
“Anti-Semitism must not be allowed to rear its head,” he said in a statement.
Rabbi Davidovich, Chief Rabbi of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina, was singled out as a Jew during the attack.
World Jewish Congress said this aspect was a “disturbing and worrisome” fact raising serious concerns about the nature of the incident.
“It is not yet clear whether this was a targeted crime of hateful anti-Semitism or a barbaric criminal act, but we trust authorities will continue to do everything in their power to determine the motive and bring the perpetrators to justice,” said WJC CEO Robert Singer
Claudio Epelman, Latin American Jewish Congress, a WJC affiliate, is in direct contact with Argentina’s Minister of Security and umbrella Jewish organisation AMIA, Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas, to monitor the situation and extend support.
It is believed assailants had been monitoring the family home prior to the attack.
“We are grateful authorities are treating this matter with the severity and concern that it deserves,” noted Singer.
“We hope initial findings will be clarified as quickly to ensure the appropriate punitive action is taken.
“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.”
Singer added, “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.
“We wish Rabbi and Rebbetzin Davidovich a speedy recovery and stand with our community in Argentina in condemning this senseless brutality.”
Board of Deputies Senior Vice President Sheila Gewolb reacted with horror to the attack.
“The violent attack on the Argentinian Chief Rabbi Gabriel Davidovich at his home has deeply shocked us,” she said.
“It’s not the first time that the Argentinian Jewish community has been targeted. In these difficult times, UK Jews stand in solidarity with the Argentinian Jewish community.”
By Howard Lawrence
