Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement following the murder of Rabbi Joseph Raksin, who was shot and killed Saturday as he walked to morning services in Miami:
“I was shocked, saddened, and outraged to hear of the murder of Rabbi Joseph Raksin on Saturday morning. My deepest condolences are with Rabbi Raksin’s family and friends, and all of the Miami and Brooklyn Orthodox communities. The Miami-Dade Police Department has my full support as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.
“As we wait for the facts of this tragic shooting to fully emerge, we do so knowing that the ugly face of anti-Semitism is again on the rise across the globe. Just two weeks ago, only a short distance from where Rabbi Raksin was killed, anti-Semitic graffiti was found painted on the wall of a nearby synagogue.
“As our communities mourn this senseless loss, let us resolve to continue in the struggle against bigotry. Blind hatred has no place in our world, and each of us has the responsibility to make our own communities safer, more tolerant places.”
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
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