UPDATE: Orthodox groups 'unequivocally' condemn kidnap-murder of Arab. Statements by Agudath, OU, RCA

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The following statements were distributed on Sunday, following the Arrest by Israel of Jewish suspects in the killing of Palestinian teenage.

•By the Orthodox Union and RCA:

The Orthodox Union and the Rabbinical Council of America unequivocally condemn the brutal murder of Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir.

We are appalled that this heinous crime was allegedly carried out in revenge for the kidnapping and murders of three innocent Jewish teens in Gush Etzion. The murder of innocents is antithetical to Jewish law and tradition and must always be opposed by men and women of decency and morality.

This merciless act of brutality defiles the name of God and desecrates the memories of Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frenkel. We pray for the day when such senseless acts of violence will cease. We mourn the victim and offer condolences to his grieving family.

We salute the Government of Israel for resolutely and without hesitation seeking to bring to justice the perpetrators of this reprehensible crime.

•By the National Council of Young Israel:

The National Council of Young Israel mourns all loss of innocent life and believes unequivocally that the murder of a young boy has absolutely no place in Israeli society. We commend the Israeli authorities for acting swiftly to apprehend the perpetrators of this terrible crime.

While Israel condemned the murder and is taking steps to ensure that those responsible will be punished accordingly, it is troubling that the Palestinian Authority has historically named streets after murderers and glorified their terrorist acts, while Hamas celebrates violence and martyrdom. The difference between Israel’s reaction to a senseless murder and that of the Palestinian Authority and Hamas is particularly striking.

•By Agudath Israel of America:

Reports of arrests of members of the Jewish community in connection with the recent murder of an Arab youth, Muhammad Hussein Abu Khdeir, should fill us all with revulsion.

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