Jewish American Heritage Month

Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Sean Pietila, 20, of Pickford, Michigan was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison for making a series of violent threats on June 1-2, 2023, to kill Jewish people. At the time he communicated those threats, Pietila was living in Lansing, Michigan. Evidence recovered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) indicated that Pietila had identified a Jewish synagogue in East Lansing and a specific date in March 2024, and made a wish list of firearms and other weapons.

Today and every day we will take swift action to detect and disrupt hate crimes, saidU.S. Attorney Mark Totten. No Michigander should live in fear because of their race, ethnicity, religion, or any other protected status. Im incredibly grateful to FBI Michigan and our other law enforcement partners for their diligence and dedication.

In November 2023, Pietila pleaded guilty to sending numerous messages containing threats to kill others to an Instagram user located outside of Michigan. Those messages, which included references to Adolf Hitler and antisemitic language, talked of Pietilas desire and plans to engage in a mass shooting in a manner similar to a specific past mass shooter. During execution of a federal search warrant in June 2023, the FBI found typed notes in Pietilas cell phone that indicated plans to engage in a mass shooting and to commit suicide. For his actions, United States District Judge Robert Jonker sentenced Pietila to serve 12 months and one day in prison, 3 years of supervised release following incarceration, and pay $10,648 in restitution.

I am incredibly proud of the work of our office and appreciative of the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners in bringing the defendant to justice, saidCheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. There is absolutely no tolerance for threats of violence and intimidation in the state of Michigan and in our society. The FBI will vigorously pursue those who commit these actions.

The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the Chippewa County Sheriffs Office, TRI-County Drug Enforcement Team (TRIDENT), Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET), and Michigan State Police Emergency Services Team. Assistant United States Attorney Chris OConnor prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

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Upper Peninsula Man Sentenced To One Year For Threatening Synagogue - Radioresultsnetwork.com

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

March 3 (UPI) -- Palestinian groups are calling for supporters to protest an event at a New Jersey synagogue marketing the sale of homes in the West Bank.

A review of homes listed to be showcased in the real estate event by My Home In Israel Real Estate shows cottages in Efrat, a settlement in the West Bank. The cottages are listed for $1.3 million. The event is expected to take place on March 10 at Keter Torah Synagogue in Teaneck, N.J.

Palestinian groups had encouraged supporters to protest the event, calling it an auction. Juda Engelmayer, a spokesperson for the synagogue, told UPI that the place of worship has been rented by a group of developers to hold the event.

"That said, it's solely educational and informational, discussing the options, tax and financial implications for U.S. citizens buying property abroad," Engelmayer said. "No sales happen there and it's not an auction of any sort."

Engelmayer specified that the event does not just market homes in the West Bank, but across Israel.

"It is not a tax sale, not a government auction of abandoned property, and not an attempt to sell stolen land to Americans," he said.

A review of homes being offered for sale shows that some are seemingly just outside of the 1949 Armistice Line that delineates the border between Israel and the Palestinian territory. Israeli settlements inside those borders are considered illegal by the United States and the international community.

"A synagogue in Teaneck will be hosting a real estate sale auctioning off Occupied Palestinian land. This event takes place every other year -- and it has for YEARS," Teaneck for Palestine said in a post on Instagram.

The group criticized the town's council for having passed a resolution claiming that the town stands with Israel.

"The truth is this is NOT where the people of Teaneck stand!! We are not just anti-Zionist, but PRO-PALESTINE," the group said. "Our actions and demands are always led by our love and solidarity for the people of Palestine! Join us in a protest against the illegal sale of stolen Palestinian land!"

This story has been updated to clarify that the event is not an auction and to include statements made on behalf of Keter Torah Synagogue.

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Pro-Palestine protesters to rally against synagogue event marketing West Bank homes - Yahoo! Voices

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

In a heartfelt ceremony at the Lamed-Hey base in Gush Etzion's western foothills, family members of 16 soldiers who fell defending Israel since Hamas's Oct. 7 massacre, along with the memory of Ari Fuld, gathered to dedicate the base's newly expanded synagogue. This significant event, funded by the Ari Fuld Project and the Gush Etzion Foundation, reflects the community's enduring support and remembrance of their heroes.

The synagogue's expansion serves not only as a place of worship but as a profound symbol of resilience and remembrance. The dedication ceremony, marked by the affixing of a new mezuzah and attended by soldiers and families alike, provided a space for communal support and shared grief. It's noteworthy that the Ari Fuld Project, in collaboration with the Gush Etzion Foundation, has been instrumental in equipping front-line soldiers with essential gear since the war's onset, further solidifying the bond between the community and its defenders.

The ceremony was imbued with mixed emotions, as families of the fallen soldiers, including Dov and Ayelet Silberg, who lost their son Netanel in Gaza, donated new prayer books to the synagogue. The event underscored the high price paid by the community, with 16 soldiers lost from the area. Moreover, the dedication in Ari Fuld's memory, an activist and educator killed by a terrorist in 2018, highlights the ongoing commitment to honor those who have sacrificed everything for their country. Ari's widow, Miriam Fuld, shared poignant memories of her husband, emphasizing his dual focus on the physical and spiritual protection of Israel and its people.

The expansion of the Lamed-Hey base synagogue, transforming it from a cramped room into a fully functional space with a women's section and room for communal gatherings, serves as a beacon of light during challenging times. Tzvi L., an IDF soldier, attested to the significant impact of this gift, enhancing the spiritual and communal well-being of those serving on the base. The initiative reflects a communal effort to support soldiers and honor the memory of those who have fallen, weaving together the physical and spiritual threads of defense and devotion to the nation of Israel.

As we reflect on the dedication of the newly expanded synagogue at the Lamed-Hey base, it becomes evident that such acts of remembrance and support hold profound significance for the families, soldiers, and community at large. These gestures of solidarity and commemoration not only honor the memory of the fallen but also strengthen the resolve and morale of those who continue to defend Israel. In the face of loss and adversity, the community's unwavering spirit and dedication to supporting its defenders underscore a collective commitment to resilience, remembrance, and hope for the future.

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Gush Etzion Dedicates Synagogue Expansion in Memory of Fallen Soldiers and Ari Fuld - BNN Breaking

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

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Vanessa Balintec - CBC News

Posted: 8 Hours Ago Last Updated: 3 Hours Ago

Pro-Palestinian supporters are calling for a second real estate event planned north of Toronto to be called down over concerns it involves the selling of land in the occupied West Bank.

On Sunday, dozens of people gathered near the Aish Hatorahsynagogue in Thornhill, Ont., to protest an event that organizers say was aimed at helping people in the Toronto area buy property in Israel. They were met with pro-Israeli counterprotestorsand Jewish leaders took issue with the Sunday protest taking place outside a synagogue.

But Pro-Palestinian protestors say companiesassociated with the event market property in the West Bank, where over twomillion Palestinians liveunder Israel's military occupation,according to the United Nations (UN).

A similar event is expected to take place Thursday at another synagogue in the area.It is unclear whether the two events are connected.

"We weren't there because it's a synagogue, we were there because we were protesting against a real estate show," said Ghada Sasa,who was at the protest over the weekend.

"[These events]shouldn't be allowed to happen when they're explicitly advertising land on occupied territory."

Sasa said the issue is personalto her as her grandfather's family was "expelled"from the land in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war,which was when the state of Israel was established. They'vesince not been allowed to return, she said.

She is calling for an immediate "injunction" against upcoming real estate events selling land on occupied Palestinian territory.

The UN, alongside Canada, consider Israeli settlements in the occupied territories to be in violation of international convention, with the federal government saying they"constitute a serious obstacle to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace."

The protest is the latest local flashpoint arising from tensions sparked by the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and foreigners. Israel has since responded with a relentless assault that has so far killed more than 30,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian figures.

Natalia Birnbaum, a Realtor who helped organize Sunday's event, told CBC Toronto it's "absolutely, 100 per cent false" that property located on "disputed" land was promoted duringthe event.

"There was no sales for anything in the West Bank, anything on disputed territory," she said, noting the projects on offer were being built on "existing" and "established" areas.

"I don't know ...where or how they're getting this," Birnbaum said.

Home In Israel, an Israeli real estate company that's associated with U.S.-based real esate franchiseKeller Williams,said despite the protests, the event was a "great success" and thanked people who showed support,according to a post that was translated from Hebrew on their Facebook page.

The translated post said it's a "privilege"to help Toronto residents buy property in Israel "for investment and/or for their upcoming immigration to Israel."

The upcomingreal estate eventon Thursday appears to bepart of a fair,with other events happening in New Jersey, New York and Montreal,according to the "great Israeli real estate event" website.

According to the website, real estate agents will help customers inquiring about projects in places such as Modiin, Ma'ale Adumim,Neve Daniel andEfrat,which are considered Israeli settlements by advocacy group Jews Say No to Genocide.

Rabbi DanielKorobkinsaid theBeth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto synagogue has agreed to host the event on Thursday,just as it and other Jewish institutions havebeen doing for years.

"Many people in the Jewish community purchase property in Israel because we want to be able to have a connection to the homeland," he told CBC Toronto.

While hecouldn't sayif any of he the promoted property is located in the West Bank, he said the "vast majority" of the land is located in "Israel proper."

IfThursday's event is met with more protests, he hopes people remain "peaceful," adding that anyone that uses weapons or exercises violence should be "arrested by police and prosecuted by the law."

If people are taking issue with this, Korobkin said, there areways to addressit other than through protest something Jewish advocacy group B'nai Brith Canada agreed with.

Richard Robertson, B'nai Brith Canada's director of research and advocacy, said in a statementthe group is concerned for members of the community near the synagogues at the upcoming events, and are calling on police to prevent similar protests from happening.

"Nothing justifies targeting a house of worship," said Robertson."To target a shul is antisemitic and can never be tolerated in Canadian society."

But ChelseyLichtman, a member of advocacy groupJews Say No to Genocide, said it's "sacrilegious" to use synagogues as places to hold real estate events.

"The synagogues are holding events that [are]trying to get Canadians to invest in stolen Palestinian land in Israel," said Lichtman, who works as a real estate agent.

"Selling stolen Palestinian land contributes to the ongoing colonization of Palestinian people."

In an email, the City of Vaughan says it will continue to work with police"to uphold community safety and protect all of our residents."

The city said the event on Sunday was initially scheduled to be held at itsGarnet A. Williams Community Centre but was cancelled after city staff learned of a use "not permitted" in the space.

On Sunday, York Regional Police (YRP) arrested a 27-year-old man from Vaughan following a confrontation with pro-Palestinian demonstrators nearAish Hatorah.

No injuries have been reported, but police said the man was witnessed shouting obscenities at the protestors, and at one point, discharged a nail gun that was he carrying.

The accused is facing several charges, including assault, assault with a weapon, possessing a weapondangerous to the public and mischief.

In an email statement to CBC Toronto, YRPsaid it'll be present on Thursday to monitor any demonstrations.

"We are there to ensure it is safe, peaceful and lawful," the statement said.

Vanessa Balintec is a reporter for CBC Toronto. She likes writing stories about labour, equity, accessibility and community. She previously worked for CBC News in New Brunswick and Kitchener-Waterloo. She has a keen interest in covering the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. You can reach her at vanessa.balintec@cbc.ca.

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

(March 4, 2024 / JNS)

An unknown assailant assaulted an unnamed 62-year-old man wearing a kippah as he left a synagogue on the eastern side of Paris.

Frances Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin wrote on March 2 of the incident that took place the day before that there was a new antisemitic attack that occurred in Paris and that everything is being done to apprehend the perpetrator of this unspeakable act.

A witness saw the assault on Friday at around 5:30 p.m. and told police the assailant yelled an antisemitic insult, reportedly dirty Jew, before fleeing. The victim lost consciousness and was taken to the hospital.

On my instructions, since yesterday the prefects have reinforced surveillance of places frequented by our Jewish compatriots who must not be victims of the tragedies taking place in the Middle East, Darmanin wrote.

The Council of Jewish Institutions in France reported in January that antisemitic incidents in the country had quadrupled in 2023 (1,676) compared to 2022 (436.) Almost 60% of the incidents involved violence or verbal threats.

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Man assaulted after leaving synagogue on Shabbat evening in Paris - JNS.org

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

Prince William spent his morning showing his support for the victims of the ongoing

The Prince of Wales visited the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London, where he joined a conversation with ambassadors of the Holocaust Educational Trust, young people who advocate against hatred and antisemitism.

Antisemitism has no place in our society... Both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise of antisemitism, William said.

The war, which broke out in October after decades of conflict between Israel and Palestine, has taken the lives of more than 30,000 Palestinians in Gaza, and more than 1,200 Israelis.

William previously released a statement on February 20 that expressed his concern over the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed, he said. I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. Its critical that aid gets in and the hostages are released.

He continued, Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home. Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found and I refuse to give up on that.

Williams visit to the synagogue was originally meant to take place on Holocaust Memorial Day, January 27, but the prince postponed it due to wife Princess Kates abdominal surgery, which also took place that month.

His speech during the visit marks only the second time he has brought up his wife, Kate, since she underwent the procedure. The first time he spoke of her, post-surgery, was in early February, when he thanked well-wishers at the London Air Ambulance Charity Gala. The Princess of Wales has been recovering at home since January, and has yet to be seen out in publicsparking confusion amongst the public.

The princes visit today also comes after he notably skipped the Thanksgiving service for King Constantine of the Hellenes held at St. Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle earlier this week. Bazaar.com learned only that his last-minute absence was due to personal reasons.

Rosa Sanchez is the senior news editor at Harper's Bazaar, working on news as it relates to entertainment, fashion, and culture. Previously, she was a news editor at ABC News and, prior to that, a managing editor of celebrity news at American Media. She has also written features for Rolling Stone, Teen Vogue, Forbes, and The Hollywood Reporter, among other outlets.

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Prince William Shares Thoughts from Him and Kate During Solo Synagogue Visit - Harper's BAZAAR

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

French authorities are searching for an assailant who attacked a man leaving a synagogue in Paris, says Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin.

Darmanin says the alleged attack on a man in his early 60s was a new antisemitic attack that occurred in Paris Friday evening.

Everything is being done to apprehend the perpetrator of this unspeakable act, Darmanin says in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Reports in French media say that an assailant was seen physically and verbally assaulting a man in his early 60s on Friday around 5:30 p.m. local time as he was leaving a synagogue in Pariss 20th arrondissement.

The assailant kicked and punched the man several times, and shouted an ethnic slur at him, according to a report by French broadcaster BFM, citing police sources. The victim of the attack was taken to a hospital. The suspected attacker fled on foot, the report also said.

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

Newark, NJ - The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ) and the New Jersey chapter of American Muslims for Palestine (AMP-NJ) have expressed strong objections to an upcoming real estate event aimed at selling land in Occupied Palestine. Scheduled for March 10 at a Teaneck synagogue, the event has sparked calls for a federal investigation to avert potentially unlawful activities.

The planned event, organized by "My Home in Israel Real Estate," has ignited controversy over its intention to sell land in territories internationally recognized as occupied. Dina Sayedahmed, CAIR-NJ Communications Manager, condemned the utilization of a religious establishment to facilitate what she perceives as illicit land transactions. This sentiment is echoed within both Muslim and Jewish communities in Teaneck. Furthermore, the opposition underscores broader issues relating to international law and the enduring conflict in Palestine. CAIR-NJ and AMP-NJ have rallied for peaceful protests against the event, urging participants to adhere strictly to legal standards during their demonstrations.

In response to the event, both CAIR-NJ and AMP-NJ have sought intervention from the New Jersey Attorney General's office. Wassim Kanaan, Chairperson of AMP-NJ, emphasized the necessity for local and federal authorities to scrutinize the event meticulously, reflecting widespread concerns over Israel's settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem. The organizations argue that the sale of such lands not only contravenes international law but also exacerbates the conflict between Israel and Palestine, urging immediate action to investigate and potentially halt the planned real estate event.

The controversy surrounding the Teaneck synagogue's event extends beyond the immediate legal implications, touching upon the ethical and moral considerations of land sales in conflicted regions. The strong opposition from CAIR-NJ and AMP-NJ highlights a collective concern over the normalization of settlement activities in occupied territories. Moreover, the call for federal investigation into the matter underscores the complexity of real estate transactions within geopolitical hotspots and the requisite for comprehensive scrutiny to ensure compliance with international norms.

As the date of the event approaches, the unfolding situation in Teaneck, NJ, serves as a poignant reminder of the persistent tensions in the Middle East and the profound impact of international disputes on local communities around the globe. With both local and federal authorities now alerted to the potential legal and ethical transgressions, the community awaits decisive action that could set precedents for how such sensitive matters are addressed in the future.

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CAIR-NJ, AMP-NJ Demand Federal Probe into Teaneck Synagogue's Planned Land Sale Event in Occupied Palestine - BNN Breaking

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

In a striking blend of tradition and innovation, Kol HaLev, a Reconstructionist synagogue in Baltimore, distinguishes itself through its embrace of Hashpa'ah, a program for training Jewish spiritual directors known as mashpi'im. Rabbi Emily Stern, leading the congregation, and Shira Karrus, a dedicated congregant, are at the forefront of this spiritual journey, both participating in the ALEPH Ordination Program's training to become mashpi'im. This initiative marks a significant step towards deepening the spiritual connections within their community.

Rabbi Stern's venture into becoming a mashpiah was inspired by her desire to enhance her rabbinical role through a more intimate involvement in her congregants' spiritual lives. The three-year Hashpa'ah training program, facilitated by ALEPH, aims at equipping candidates with the skills needed for spiritual counseling and interpreting sacred texts through a spiritual lens. Stern's approach to spiritual direction emphasizes group work and discussion, fostering a community-centric environment for spiritual exploration.

One of the core tenets of Kol HaLev's Hashpa'ah sessions under Stern's guidance is the practice of deep listening and the art of asking profound questions without immediately offering solutions. This method has proven to be particularly resonant for those who identify as spiritual but not strictly religious, providing a space for reflection and connection free from judgment. Stern and her participants find value in silence and the process of collectively seeking spiritual clarity.

Shira Karrus, motivated by her experiences in the Hashpa'ah sessions at Kol HaLev, has also embarked on the path to becoming a mashpiah through ALEPH's training program. Her aspiration is to facilitate others' spiritual development and help them align more closely with their truest selves. Both Stern and Karrus envision their roles as mashpi'im as integral to nurturing a more conscious and connected community, contributing to a broader vision of healing and transformation.

As Kol HaLev continues to pioneer this spiritual direction initiative, the efforts of Rabbi Stern and Shira Karrus underscore the synagogue's commitment to fostering deep, meaningful connections among its members. Through their dedication to Hashpa'ah, they are not only shaping a distinctive spiritual landscape within their congregation but also contributing to a larger dialogue about the role of spirituality in contemporary Jewish life. Their journey invites reflection on how spiritual companionship can serve as a catalyst for personal and communal growth, offering insights into the potential for spirituality to inspire change one person at a time.

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Kol HaLev Synagogue Embraces Spiritual Direction, Rabbi and Congregant Pursue Hashpa'ah Training - BNN Breaking

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Posted By admin on March 5, 2024

Prince William is stepping out and stepping up his efforts to help communities heal.

The Prince of Wales, 41, visited a synagogue on Thursday in the second of two outings to recognize both the rise in antisemitism and the human suffering in the Middle East.

The royal appeared at the Western Marble Arch Synagogue in London, where he joined a conversation with young ambassadors of the Holocaust Educational Trust who work in the community as advocates against hatred and antisemitism.

Antisemitism has no place in our society...Both Catherine and I are extremely concerned about the rise of antisemitism," Prince William said during the visit, which was originally planned to coincide with Holocaust Memorial Day but postponed due to Kate Middleton's abdominal surgery. It was reinstated as soon as was practicable, according to palace aides.

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It was also the first public appearance for Prince William since he abruptly pulled out of a memorial service for his late godfather King Constantine of Greece on Tuesday due to an unspecified personal matter, a palace source said at the time. Amid the last-minute change of plans, which was set to see Prince William do a reading at the service, the palace noted that the Princess of Wales, 42, is "doing well" amid her recovery from her surgery last month. During the outing, William received a bouquet of flowers for his wife.

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The service was also on the same day that the royal family revealed the "shock" death of Lady Gabriella's husband, Thomas Kingston, at just 45.

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Prince William's engagement at the synagogue came a week after he visited the British Red Cross headquarters in London to see and hear about some of the relief efforts taking place on the ground in Gaza.

He is also scheduled to take part in further outings this week and is expected to be in Wales for St David's Day on Friday.

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Shortly after arriving at the synagogue on Thursday morning, the prince was shown around and told about the Jewish community it supports.

Karen Pollock, CEO of the Holocaust Educational Trust, tells PEOPLE, "It was a really special engagement. Having His Royal Highness visit the synagogue and learn a bit about the community and looking at the history of the synagogue was lovely. But what was fantastic was how obvious he really wanted to understand about how the community feels about antisemitism today."

He heard about how the Holocaust Educational Trust is delivering programs to combat hatred and encourage cross-community cohesion.

Key to the work of the Holocaust Educational Trust is the outreach by young ambassadors from all backgrounds, who are part of the H.E.T.'s flagship "Lessons from Auschwitz" project. They learn the history of the Holocaust and visit the site of the former Nazi concentration and death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. It aims to help them with the tools to call out antisemitism and hatred wherever they are found, and they are committed to sharing what they've learned with their communities across the U.K.

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Prince William met with students, including a pupil at Leeds University, one from Edinburgh University and a leader of the Union of Jewish Students.

"He met some Jewish students, who spoke eloquently about some of the incidents they have experienced or the fears and anxieties of their peers. He was really empathetic," Pollock says.

"He also heard from some of our Holocaust Educational Trust ambassadors, some of whom are not Jewish," she adds. "They were talking about the importance of education and how important in terms of fighting antisemitism and fighting hate. Having the information means you can call out those who might be antisemitism with intent or saying things they should know better."

He gave them a lot of encouragement in terms of telling them to keep on fighting the fight," Pollack continues. "I think he was pretty clear to the group that we shouldnt tolerate antisemitism. He said that on behalf of himself and Her Royal Highness. They are concerned about this.

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Prince William met 94-year-old Holocaust survivor Renee Salt who told him about her experiences.

She was "quite nervous, and he sat down and took her hands. Her heard her whole story," says Pollock. She survived Bergen Belsen and Auschwitz. It is very hard to listen to. She told him of her husband who was a liberator of the camps. He was listening and he asked her about antisemitism today, and she said she is very worried about it and she told him about her grandson who she worries about."

Pollock continues, "She has a book coming out next year, and he said he'd read it. It was a very intimate conversation between the two of them. She said at the end, 'Ill never forget this.' It meant so much to her that he spent the time.

Prince William and Princess Kate have both been "profoundly concerned by events that unfolded in late 2023 and continue to hold all the victims, their family and friends in their hearts and minds," the palace said last week.

Just before visiting the British Red Cross headquarters on Feb. 20, William issued a strongly-worded statement saying, "I remain deeply concerned about the terrible human cost of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October. Too many have been killed."

TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

"I, like so many others, want to see an end to the fighting as soon as possible. There is a desperate need for increased humanitarian support to Gaza. Its critical that aid gets in and the hostages are released," he added. "Sometimes it is only when faced with the sheer scale of human suffering that the importance of permanent peace is brought home."

Prince William concluded, "Even in the darkest hour, we must not succumb to the counsel of despair. I continue to cling to the hope that a brighter future can be found and I refuse to give up on that."

TOBY MELVILLE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

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Prince William Says He and Kate Are 'Extremely Concerned' About Antisemitism Rise During Synagogue Visit - PEOPLE

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