Press Releases 2006

Ambassador Ashe Condemns Attack On Poland’s Chief Rabbi

30 May 2006

Ambassador Victor Ashe, on behalf of the President and people of the United States, strongly condemns the attack Saturday, May 27, 2006, on Poland’s Chief Rabbi, Michael Schudrich, and extends wishes and prayers for his speedy recovery. Ambassador Ashe notes that this attack on Rabbi Schudrich, who is an American citizen, came during the visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Poland, indeed on the very day that the Pope visited the late Pope John Paul II's home town of Wadowice. Saturday’s attack comes after last week's knifing of a Jewish youth; in both instances, the attackers made anti-Semitic remarks during the attacks. “There is no place for bigotry and all who abhor such intolerance must join together to condemn it. We must work to prevent re-occurrences," Ambassador Ashe said.

Ambassador Ashe appreciates the seriousness with which the Polish Government is treating these attacks and a spate of recent threats against several other Jews in Poland. Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Ludwik Dorn has directed the police to investigate the matter and is taking the matter seriously.

The Ambassador visited the Rabbi in Warsaw’s Nozycka Synagogue to express his sympathy and solidarity and expressed his relief that the attack did not result in serious injury.