Argentina Chief Rabbi Davidovich gives thanks for support following attack
“I want to thank you and all the Jewish people for all their prayers for us,” Davidovich told Herzog in a meeting on Sunday.
By JEREMY SHARONHerzog meets with Rabbi Gabriel Davidovich in his home in Buenos Aires on Sunday(photo credit: COURTESY/ JEWISH AGENCY)
The Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Argentina Rabbi Gabriel Davidovich has thanked Jews around the world for their prayers and well-wishes after he was violently assaulted in his home last month.Speaking with Jewish Agency Chairman Isaac Herzog who is currently on an official visit to South America, the rabbi said he and his wife had been greatly cheered by the outpouring of support they received from the Jewish community around the world.“I want to thank you and all the Jewish people for all their prayers for us,” Davidovich told Herzog in a meeting on Sunday.“It gave us a lot of support and really strengthened us. We are getting better, helped by the power of all the Jews who sent messages, and phoned, and were concerned, it really moved us.”On February 25, seven assailants broke into Davidovich’s house in the early house of the morning, beat him, and stole cash and various belongings from the his home.The rabbi sustained nine broken ribs and a punctured lung during the attack and spent several days in hospital recovering.The attack is however not thought at this stage to be antisemitic in nature, with Davidovich himself having cast doubts that it was a hate crime.Two people suspected of the beating were arrested last week in Buenos Aires.Following the attack, Herzog gave instructions for the Jewish Agency to provide funds for metal bars to be installed on the windows of the rabbi’s home and doors.“I was moved to meet with Rabbi Davidovich and his wife, he is slowly getting better,” said Herzog following his meeting, during which he wished the rabbi a speedy recovery.
