US, global community condemns Jerusalem synagogue terror attack

Seven people have been killed and three injured in a Friday night terror attack in the religious Jerusalem neighborhood of Neve Yaakov.

By OMRI NAHMIAS, REUTERS, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Updated: JANUARY 28, 2023 14:10
Israeli forces stand guard near the scene of a terror attack in Neve Yaakov in which at least 7 people were killed, January 27, 2022. (photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)
Israeli forces stand guard near the scene of a terror attack in Neve Yaakov in which at least 7 people were killed, January 27, 2022.
(photo credit: REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun)

The United States on Friday condemned an apparent terrorist attack on a Jerusalem synagogue in which Israeli media reported that five people had been killed, US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said.

US Secretary of State Antony Bilnken said in a statement that the United States "condemns in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack that occurred today outside of a synagogue in Jerusalem." 

"We mourn those killed in the attack, and our thoughts are with the injured, including children," said Blinken. "The notion of people being targeted as they leave a house of worship is abhorrent. It is particularly tragic that this attack occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day." 

"On behalf of the United States, I express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish those injured a full recovery," said the Secretary of State. "We are in close contact with our Israeli partners and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Israel’s security."

US Ambassador to Israel Tom Nides issued a condemnation: "Horrific act of violence at a Jerusalem synagogue on International Holocaust Remembrance Day," he tweeted.

"I am shocked and disgusted at this heinous terrorist attack on innocent people, including children. Praying for all of the victims and their loved ones," tweeted Nides.

Patel told reporters at a news briefing that US officials were in touch with their Israeli counterparts and that he did not expect changes to Secretary of State Antony Blinken's vist to Israel next week.

The terror attack was carried out by a resident of Shuafat in east Jerusalem who opened fire at people leaving the synagogue after Friday night prayers and was then killed by security forces after attempting to escape in a car.

The American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) issued a statement on Friday, saying that the organization join those in Israel mourning the loss of life, "and praying for the recovery of the injured in this terrorist attack."

Palestinians celebrate following Jerusalem's shooting attack, in Gaza City January 27, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)
Palestinians celebrate following Jerusalem's shooting attack, in Gaza City January 27, 2023. (credit: REUTERS/MOHAMMED SALEM)

"This afternoon, we once again saw the devastating reality that Israelis are forced to confront," AIPAC said. "As Shabbat was just beginning, and as International Holocaust Remembrance Day was coming to a close, a terrorist shot at worshipers at a synagogue in Jerusalem."

"While the details around this latest attack are still coming in, it serves as a potent reminder of the real threats that Israelis face and the importance of our work to ensure America always stands by Israel’s side," the statement reads. 

Ted Deutch, CEO of the The American Jewish Committee (AJC) tweeted: Last week, I celebrated a peaceful Shabbat in Jerusalem. Today, at least 8 people have been shot and killed after a terrorist opened fire near a synagogue in Jerusalem. We vehemently condemn this attack."

The American Jewish Congress is "outraged by yet another terror attack impacting innocent Israeli civilians," the organization said in a statement.

"This horrible tragedy is another reminder of the dangers that Israel faces, and the struggles that are shared by countless Jewish Communities around the world," the statement reads. "Israel is forced to defend herself each and every day against tyrants that wish to do her and her citizens harm; Jewish and non-Jewish alike. Through tragedies like this, we are reminded of the importance to ensure Israel’s safety, and to answer the needs of our Jewish communities wherever they may be."

"At this difficult time and always, we stand with Israel," Deutch added. 

The Jewish Federations of North America (JFNA) "are horrified and appalled by the murder of at least seven people in a terrorist attack in a Jerusalem synagogue," the organization said in a statement. "77 years after the liberation of Auschwitz, on the day the world commemorates the atrocity of the Holocaust, it is unbearable that Jews are still being murdered simply for being Jews," the statement reads.

The White House issued a condemnation on Friday as well. "We strongly condemn the heinous terror attack that took place this evening at a synagogue in Jerusalem, and are shocked and saddened by the loss of life, including the killing of at least eight innocent victims," the statement reads. "The attack tragically occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, when the memory of those lost in the Holocaust is commemorated around the world."

"The United States will extend our full support to the Government and people of Israel. Accordingly, the President has directed his national security team to engage immediately with Israeli counterparts to offer all appropriate support in assisting the wounded and bringing the perpetrators of this horrible crime to justice," the White House said.

Massive global response to Jerusalem attacks

Numerous countries have been quick to condemn the attack.

Egypt's foreign ministry condemned the attack, Ynet reported. "We strongly denounce and condemn the attack that claimed the lives of seven people, as well as any violent activity that harms civilians," they said.

Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack in Jerusalem. "Today, we stressed the need to take urgent and effective steps to stop the dangerous and condemned state of escalation, which claimed the lives of Palestinian and Israeli civilians and threatens to erupt into cycles of violence, for which everyone will pay the price," they wrote on Twitter with an attached document of a press release.

"Jordan condemns the attack on civilians in the synagogue in Jerusalem as well as any violent activity against civilians on Palestinian land," they said. "We emphasize the importance of respecting religious sites and their holiness. All unilateral measures that may aggravate the situation must be stopped."

The United Nations released a statement saying, "The Secretary-General [Antonio Guterres] strongly condemns today's terrorist attack by a Palestinian perpetrator outside a synagogue in Jerusalem, which claimed the lives of at least seven Israelis and injured several others. He extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured."

Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign affairs stated that "We strongly condemn the #terrorist attack at the Synagogue in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood in #Jerusalem. We express our condolences to the family of killed and wish a quick recovery for injured. @IsraelMFA"

The Austrian Ministry of Foreign affairs stated "We strongly condemn the horrific terror attack on a synagogue in #Jerusalem. There is no excuse for targeting places of worship. Our thoughts are with the victims‘ families and loved ones. We hope for a speedy recovery for all those injured."

Australian Ambassador, Ralph King, expressed "I am shocked at reports of a deadly terrorist attack on worshippers at a synagogue in northern Jerusalem earlier tonight. My thoughts are with the victims’ families and with the wounded."

The Italian embassy added "The Italian Government strongly condemns the vile terrorist attack in #Jerusalem and expresses its condolences and closeness to the State of Israel and all its people"

The Finnish ambassador to Israel, Kirsikka Lehto-Asikainen, expressed "Shocked and deeply saddened about the news on the shooting attack in Neve Yaakov Jerusalem. My thoughts are with the victims and their close ones. Strongly condemn violence and terrorism. @FinIsrael #NeverAgain"

The Embassy of Lithuania in Israel added "Horrified by a terrorist shooting attack in Jerusalem on the International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Condolences to the families of the victims. Everything must be done to stop further escalation of violence."

Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence added "I strongly condemn today’s shocking attack in Jerusalem that has resulted in multiple deaths. Terrorism and violence is never justified. I call on all parties to refrain from actions which would lead to further violence. Thoughts and sympathies to the victims and their families."

The United Arab Emirates also responded to the attack. "The ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the government of Israel and its friendly people, and its sympathy to the families of the victims as a result of this heinous crime and wishes for a speedy recovery to all the injured," they released in a statement.

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement. "We condemn the terrorist attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem on the evening of January 27 which claimed the lives of many people. We are concerned that the attacks which have increased recently in the region may turn into a new spiral of violence and call on all parties to take necessary measures to exercise restraint and put an end to such incidents. We convey our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, as well as the Government and the people of Israel. We also wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

Bahrain released a statement condemning last night's attack. "The Kingdom of Bahrain condemned the terrorist attack that took place near a synagogue in Jerusalem, which resulted in the death and injury of a number of people. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the need to take urgent and effective steps to stop the dangerous and condemnable escalation that claimed the lives of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

"The Ministry reiterated its firm position rejecting acts of violence and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, calling for non-escalation, protection for civilians and the creation of the appropriate atmosphere for the revival of the just and comprehensive peace process in the Middle East."

Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom James Cleverly condemned the attack on Twitter saying, "Appalling reports of a terror attack in Neve Yaakov this evening. To attack worshippers at a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day and during Shabbat, is horrific. We stand with our Israeli friends."

The UK'S Prime Minister added "Places of worship should be sanctuaries - and I’m sickened to hear about the horrific attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem. On behalf of all Londoners I send my deepest sympathies."



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