Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations expressed their condolences to the people and leaders of France following the horrific terror attack yesterday in Nice that killed over 80 people during Bastille Day celebrations.
In a statement released today, Conference of Presidents Chairman Stephen M. Greenberg, and Executive Vice Chairman/ CEO Malcolm Hoenlein said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of France as we express our heartfelt condolences following the horrendous terror attack on innocent civilians in Nice yesterday. This latest devastating act of wanton terrorism highlights in the most painful terms the threats currently facing our world. The American Jewish community stands in solidarity with the people of France and reaffirms its commitment to forceful, determined efforts to confront the scourge of terrorism there and around the world.
Over 200 people have been killed in France by terrorist attacks over the last 18 months, mostly by Islamist terrorists. There have been 10 attacks since the outrage at the offices of the Charlie Hebdo weekly magazine and Hyper Cacher kosher supermarket. We must seek out those who aid, abet, and incite these actions as well as those who carry them out. Whether they spread their hateful, extremist ideology in the media, on the Internet, or in mosques or schools, they must be held to account. All those involved directly or indirectly, domestic or foreign, must be confronted by a united front. No excuses, no exceptions. There must be a policy of zero tolerance and total accountability for those engaging in such terrible acts.
Our sympathy goes to the families of the victims and our prayers for those injured.