New York, NY – Dianne Lob, Chair, William Daroff, CEO, and Malcolm Hoenlein, Vice Chair, of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, issued the following statement:
“We are appalled by the shooting in Tel Aviv’s city center today, which took the lives of at least two individuals and caused serious injury to many others. We condemn these outrageous attacks and the terrorist violence that has gripped Israel in the last month, resulting in thirteen tragic murders – the largest and most alarming spike in terrorist activity in Israel in nearly a decade.
“We also condemn those who incite, aid, and abet these murderers, as well as those who provide support, assistance, and justification for terror.
“As American Jewish leaders, we can never remain silent when terrorists claim innocent lives and attempt to destroy the promise of the Jewish homeland. We cannot allow the perpetrators of these attacks to prevent Israelis from exercising their basic freedoms out of fear, particularly on the eve of major religious holy days for all three major monotheistic religions in Israel. We are greatly concerned by the increase in violence during this holiday season and stand with the leaders of Israel’s political, governmental, and security services, and the citizens of Israel, during this time of heightened concern.
“We offer our prayers and support to the families of the victims. May they be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem. And may the memories of their loved ones be blessed and forever be for a blessing.”
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