Metropolitan Borys expresses his condolences to the Jewish Community of Philadelphia

October 09, 2023

Please accept my condolences on the occasion of the unconscionable terrorist attack on Israel this past weekend. The scale and pitiless nature of the assault is heartrending. Terrorism is never an answer! I express my sincere solidarity with your people. During our Saturday and Sunday services, we raised prayers for justice and peace for you, for your friends, and relatives.

Yesterday, commemorating in Philadelphia the Babyn Yar genocidal massacre of Jews and others with leaders of the Jewish and Ukrainian communities of our city, we were not only mourning past antisemitic crimes and crimes against humanity. We stood together renewing our commitment to work for peace and justice for all. We stood together as brothers and sisters in shock regarding what is happening before the world’s eyes today, both in the Holy Land and in Ukraine.

No more genocide!

More than ever today, Ukrainians and Jews, people of faith and people of good will, can understand each other as we face acts meant to lead to our annihilation. At a time when the person of the president of Ukraine unites our peoples, let us pray together that the will of God may be done on earth as it is in heaven. I pray that Israel enjoys freedom and independence, democracy, justice and peace.

+ Borys