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As the Jewish community observes Rosh Hashanah amid ongoing conflict and rising antisemitism, two New York religious leaders have issued a message of support. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York and Bishop Robert J. Brennan of Brooklyn released a joint statement on October 4, addressing the somber atmosphere during what should be a time of celebration.
“These should be days of rejoicing as the Jewish community celebrates the beginning of a new year, but we know that there is a somber atmosphere as we mark the one-year anniversary of the evil, heinous terrorist attack against Israel last year on October 7th,” they stated. “Our hearts continue to break for those whose lives were lost that terrible day, and for the innocent hostages still held in captivity in Gaza.”
The reference is to an attack by Hamas militants from Gaza on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 240 hostages taken. The attack coincided with the final day of Sukkot, a Jewish holiday.
Following this event, Israel declared war on Hamas and has been engaged in conflict extending into Lebanon with Hezbollah involvement. Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Brennan acknowledged the widespread suffering caused by this violence.
“In the year that has followed, we know that many more innocent people have been caught in the grips of war, and we mourn every life lost, of Israelis and Palestinians, of Jews, Christians, Muslims, and others,” they said. They emphasized Pope Francis's reminder that religion should not justify violence: “As Christians, and together with people of all faiths, we employ that most powerful tool that we have, prayer, to pray for peace in that land called ‘holy.'”
The prelates also expressed concern about rising antisemitism globally. A report from the Anti-Defamation League highlighted an increase in antisemitic incidents following the October 7 attack last year.
“Right here in New York and around the globe, we note with great anxiety the troubling rise in anti-Semitism,” said Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Brennan.
The ADL noted significant increases in antisemitic harassment both online and offline after October 7 last year. Social media platforms saw a sharp rise in violent posts targeting Jews.
Cardinal Dolan and Bishop Brennan assured their Jewish friends: “Allow us to say unambiguously to our Jewish friends here in New York and around the world that you are not alone.” They acknowledged past failures by Catholics to stand against such hatred.
Reflecting on historical relations between Catholics and Jews since Vatican II's "Nostra Aetate," they reiterated their commitment to combating antisemitism: “We join now with religious leaders from all faiths pledging that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism in any form.”
They concluded with hopes for peace across regions affected by conflict: “May the God of peace and justice bring true and lasting peace to Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, the Holy Land, and the entire Middle East.”
Gina Christian reports for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.
