Bombings in Amman!

Some readers may be aware of the fact that I was among approximately 50 rabbis invited to a luncheon in September hosted by King Abdullah of Jordan. This was a truly historic event - the first time a Muslim monarch has invited a group of rabbis to meet. It received next to know meadia coverage because Katrina was the #1 story. In his remarks at the luncheon, the King made a passionate plea for cooperation in combatting radical fundamentalism - in Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

About a month after the luncheon, it came to our attention that a mult-part TV series which was highly antismeetic was airing in Jordan and 24 of the attendees wrote to the King. Within 48 hours the program was withdrawn.

In light of the terrible hotel bombings this week, I have sent the following letter both to the Jordanian Ambassador and to the King:

Dear Ambassador Kawar:

As a rabbi and a participant in the luncheon you hosted in September, I am writing to express my condolences in the wake of the hotel bombings. Caring people throughout the world are outraged whenever and wherever terrorism rears its ugly head. The loss of innocent lives at the hands of terrorists is something that rational individuals should never tolerate. The fact that so many of the dead were celebrating weddings poignantly underscores the senselessness of these acts.

Please know that my thoughts and prayers and are with you and the Jordanian people at this most difficult time. May God continue to guide you in your struggle again those who resort to acts of terrorism to achieve their ill-conceived goals.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Steven Glazer
Herndon, VA