Wellington – Synagogues and Jewish community centers in New Zealand are reportedly being closed on Saturday and Sunday, following Friday’s shooting attack at two mosques in Christchurch.
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“For the first time in history synagogues in NZ are closed on Shabbat following the shocking massacre of Muslims in Christchurch,” Israeli politician Isaac Herzog tweeted Friday.
Herzog added that “the Jewish Agency and the NZ Jewish Council stand in solidarity with the bereaved families. We are united in fighting violent hatred and racism.” Herzog was recently elected chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel.
The Wellington Jewish Community Centre on New Zealand’s North Island informed worshipers that on Facebook that the center would be closed on “police advice.”
“The Wellington Jewish Community Centre will be closed and all activities suspended tomorrow Sunday 17 March on Police advice. Community members should check their email and our member Facebook group for more information and updates. We hope to have an update Sunday,” the center wrote.
A message sent to Auckland Hebrew Congregation members said that law enforcement was “unable to guarantee us protection this evening as they mobilize to support Christchurch, as well as protect mosques throughout New Zealand. It is therefore with deep regret that the AHC BOM takes this unprecedented step in cancelling organised service this Shabbat, as we are concerned about the security of our community.”
Seems this time, the Nazis are coming for the Muslims and the Jews at once.
In response to the first poster, one has to marvel at the idea that an alleged Nazi would write a manifesto which such things as, for example from the washongtonpost
> He said Communist China was the nation with “political and social values” closest to his.
But the most fascinating portion is his self-described attempts to prevent his own people from being replaced by immigrants. Like the way that those who call themselves Palestinians claim to only be protecting themselves from being replaced by immigrant Jews.
The other sites point out that police told them they would be too focused on the Mosques to be able to give Jewish institutions protection. Seems rather strange that they have to close instead of hiring private security to protect their services for two days. It is almost as if the Jews understood the message as being a hint – keep a low profile so don’t risk making the Muslims jealous and risk raising their wrath. Seems the Jews understood the lesson New Zealand was teaching them when (to name but one example) New Zealand deported alleged Israeli spies.
Why should all of the Synagogues have been forced to close? What about the Christian churches? This is insane.
Why cancel minyanim? Tragedy is the time when God most wants us to turn towards Him and mitzvot, not away!