“The Jewish tradition teaches that we must love the stranger, because we were strangers. The geopolitics are incredibly complex, but the fundamental spiritual teaching is simple: we must provide love and care for those fleeing persecution. Also, I’d like to think that a smiling rabbi being the first Western face a refugee fleeing ISIS sees is one of ISIS’s worst nightmares.”
Above: Rabbi Ari Hart
The press release:
For Immediate Release
An orthodox rabbi from the Bronx is flying to Lesvos, Greece this week to provide aid, comfort and support to refugees fleeing ISIS.
Following that he will provide solidarity and comfort to those afflicted by terror in Israel.
The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale is sending Rabbi Ari Hart on this two-stage mission.
“With rising darkness, terror, and division in the world, the best way we can fight back is with light, love and solidarity,” said Rabbi Steven Exler, the Hebrew Institute’s senior rabbi.
First, Rabbi Hart will be partnering with Israaid, an Israeli based humanitarian organization that is providing basic medical and psychosocial support to refugees, as well as distributing much needed emergency items, including baby slings.
“The Jewish tradition teaches that we must love the stranger, because we were strangers. The geopolitics are incredibly complex, but the fundamental spiritual teaching is simple: we must provide love and care for those fleeing persecution,” said Rabbi Hart. “Also, I’d like to think that a smiling rabbi being the first Western face a refugee fleeing ISIS sees is one of ISIS’s worst nightmares.”
Then, Rabbi Hart will visit Israel and provide comfort to congregants and families there. “The people of Israel have been under a relentless, terror assault for weeks. It seems like every day, another stabbing, shooting, or bombing. We are sending a message that this will not be tolerated and that they are not alone.”
Rabbi Hart will be available for interviews on Wednesday and Thursday on the ground in Greece.