The Sisters of Our Lady of Sion ( https://www.notredamedesion.org ) are an international congregation of Roman Catholic women religious whose vocation includes a special love and esteem for the Jewish people, and the effort to help Christians better understand, respect and cooperate with Jewish people in positive and life-giving relationships.

As Sisters, and as their lay friends and associates, we have been horrified and saddened by the recent series of violent attacks against Jewish individuals and Jewish institutions, especially in the north-eastern United States. The recent machete attack at a rabbi’s house in Monsey, NY, during Hanukkah celebrations was particularly disturbing. We are aware that these attacks are part of a larger rise in anti-Semitic attacks that deeply troubles us, and which our leaders must address swiftly and decisively.

We join our voices to all those people of goodwill who are denouncing these attacks, and we want our Jewish sisters and brothers to know that we stand alongside them in this time of pain and fear. We will continue to work to root out anti-Semitism, and to foster mutual respect, understanding and cooperation between Jews and Christians. We pray that these attacks will cease, and that this New Year will be a year of healing and renewed hope for all of us.

L’Shalom,

Sister Lucy Thorson, NDS; Dr. Murray Watson (NDS Associate)