Feb. 2, 2009 -- The World Union for Progressive Judaism issued a statement today in response to news of the latest attack against Jews in Venezuela. Signed by its chairman, Steven Bauman, and vice presidents, Shai Pinto and Rabbi Gary Bretton-Granatoor, the statement reads as follows:

"The World Union stands with all people of conscience as we decry the recent attack at the Tiferet Israel Sephardic synagogue in Caracas, Venezuela. A security guard was injured, sacred Torah scrolls were defaced and words of hate were spray-painted on the walls. If this were an isolated incident, it would be enough to rend the heart, but this is part of a pattern of anti-Semitic acts against the Jews of Venezuela, abetted by the Venezuelan government's support of Iranian policies and President Hugo Chavez's anti-Israel bias. Anti-Semitism, no matter where it comes from, is a sickness that must be countered, but when it comes as part of governmental acquiescence or support, we cannot remain silent. History teaches us well where anti-Semitic acts like those in Caracas yesterday can lead. We call upon all good people to speak out against this act and support the Jews of Venezuela."