NEW YORK – “The World Jewish Congress is shocked and incensed by the brutal attack against the Chief Rabbi of the Asociación Mutual Israelita Argentina, Gabriel Davidovich, who was savagely beaten by robbers inside his own home,” WJC CEO and Executive Vice President Robert Singer said Monday.
“Both Rabbi Davidovich and his wife were seriously wounded in this assault, which was carried out by assailants who had apparently been monitoring their home prior to perpetration. During the assault, the attackers singled out Rabbi Davidovich as a Jew, and said, ‘We know that you are the AMIA rabbi,’ a disturbing and worrisome fact that raises serious concerns about the nature of this attack,” Singer said.
“An investigation is currently underway, and we are grateful that the authorities in Buenos Aires and Argentina are treating this matter with the severity and concern that it deserves,” Singer said. “It is not yet clear whether this was a targeted crime of hateful antisemitism or a barbaric criminal act, but we trust that the authorities will continue to do everything in their power to determine the motive and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
“Claudio Epelman, Executive Director of the WJC’s affiliate, the Latin American Jewish Congress, is in constant and direct contact with Argentina’s Minister of Security, as well as with AMIA and the umbrella Jewish organization Delegación de Asociaciones Israelitas Argentinas, to monitor the situation and extend all support needed,” Singer said. “We hope that the initial findings will be clarified as quickly as possible, to ensure that the appropriate punitive action is taken.”
“We wish Rabbi and Rebbetzin Davidovich a speedy recovery and stand with our community in Argentina in condemning this senseless brutality. President Mauricio Macri and his administration are close and supportive friends of the community and we know that they will work to protect the community in every way possible,” Singer said. “The WJC and the LAJC will continue to monitor this situation closely and deeply hope that this is an isolated incident that will not occur again.”