The Igud Irony

On July 15, Rabbi Yaron Reuven posted a video on YouTube. He ranted against Lord Rabbi Sacks, Rabbi Efrem Goldberg, myself, and others, insisting that we are resha'im and heretics. And, as we know from his previous videos, he believes that heretics deserve to be executed, and he says that if it wasn't illegal, he would kill them himself.

At the beginning of the video, there is an animation of the logo of the Rabbinical Alliance of America (RAA), otherwise known as the Igud HaRabbonim. I don't know whether this means that the video is officially co-produced by the RAA, but it certainly is intended to look that way. It's followed by a picture of Rabbi Reuven's rabbinic ordination from the RAA. And in the description of the video, it highlights that Rabbi Reuven is a proud member of the RAA, and gives a promotional announcement for this organization.

On July 16, the RAA issued the following statement:

For Immediate Release

The Rabbinical Alliance of America Issues an Urgent Call for the Restoration of Civility and Respect in These Challenging Times
The Rabbinical Alliance of America — Igud HaRabbonim, representing over 950 American rabbis — issues an urgent call for the restoration of civility and respect in New York City in these challenging times. Disagreement, even vehement disagreement, must take place within the boundaries of constructive debate. In order to improve society, we must make a future in which we can live together. Violence moves us farther away from that goal.

 Oh, the irony!


(Igud HaRabbonim can be contacted at Rabbi@Igud.US)