By KAREN KENNEDY-HALL
Courier-Post Staff
During his appeal to jurors Friday, Rabbi Fred J. Neulander cited his interfaith work in the community as a reason to spare his life.
Alan Respler, a friend for 26 years, recalled how Neulander was instrumental in getting his synagogue, Congregation M'kor Shalom, involved in community programs. They were especially active in civil rights programs and the Food Bank of South Jersey, he said.
"My heart goes out certainly to his children and to the family," said Respler, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
Not surprised Neulander would express interest in tutoring, Respler said as a rabbi, Neulander taught in a variety of ways.
"There are a number of people in prison he could help," said Respler.
Father Joseph Wallace, who is head of Ecumenical Religious Affairs for the Catholic Diocese of Camden, worked alongside Neulander while planning a political protest a number of years ago.
"He seemed like a very nice man, very affable, very personable," said Wallace, who is based at Queen of Heaven Church in Cherry Hill.
Betty Mendez, executive director of the Food Bank of South Jersey, doesn't know Neulander personally. But she said the congregation he founded has a long history of supporting the food bank.
"They've supported every effort to make sure that no one goes to bed hungry," said Mendez.
Reach Karen Kennedy-Hall at (856) 317-7828 or kkhall@courierpostonline.com
