NEW YORK (Press Release)–The Jewish Federations of North America is shocked and outraged at Monday’s tragic terror attack on a Jewish school in southern France that has left at least four dead, including three children.
Early news indicates that a terrorist on a motorcycle carried out a fatal shooting outside Ozar Hatorah, a Jewish school in the southern French city of Toulouse. Recent updates report that four have been killed, including a teacher, Rabbi Sandler, his two children Gavriel, aged 6, Arye, aged 3 and Miriam Monstango, aged 8, daughter of the school principal. Others remain in critical condition.
Kathy Manning, Chair of JFNA’s Board of trustees stated, “We at Jewish Federations are devastated by the terrible news of an attack on Jewish school children in France. We send our deep and heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, while wishing a speedy recovery to the injured. At the same time, we embrace the entire Jewish community of France and stand with them at this very difficult and tragic time.”
Jewish communities across the globe, including in North America, are stepping up their security procedures. In Israel, the Knesset Aliyah and Absorption Committee (which also has responsibility for international Jewish communities) will meet in emergency session tomorrow, and JFNA Israel will be in attendance.
According to JFNA’s CEO and president, Jerry Silverman, “Words cannot describe the shock and outrage – and deep mourning – that result from a terror attack that is specifically directed at children. We have long known that Jews can be targets of vicious attacks wherever they are in the world. And it is clear, that even today, in 2012, that statement remains true. Jewish Federations stand with the Jews of France at this time of sorrow.”
Jewish Federations will continue to monitor the situation closely with our partners at the Jewish Agency and JDC. Additionally we will assess any needs and stay in close touch with SCN and other relevant security agencies going forward.
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Orthodox Union
In the wake of the heinous shooting attack at a Jewish school in Toulouse, France, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella group, on Monday issued the following statement:
“All Jews feel responsible for each other, and never more keenly when any of our brethren come under attack for no reason except that they are Jews. The horrific murders today of four Jews in Toulouse, France, were an attack on all Jews everywhere. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families.
“In the wake of this event, the Orthodox Union reminds our synagogues and schools to be in contact with their local law enforcement authorities, maintain their vigilance and review their security procedures.
“The Orthodox Union will continue its work with federal, state and local homeland security agencies to ensure the security of our community.
“In the words of a prayer for God’s compassion in this morning’s service, “We are given no rest.” May the day soon come when all hate is eradicated, and when God’s mercy extends over all.”
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Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations
Leaders of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations expressed their outrage at the brutal attack Monday upon the Ozar HaTorah School in Toulouse, France, which killed a rabbi, his two sons and one other child, and injured several other students.
“We are outraged at this savage act against schoolchildren who were waiting outside their school building at the beginning of the day. Not only did the shooter attack children at the entrance to the building but he also chased them inside. We express our condolences to the families and friends of the victims and our support to those injured and pray for their quick recovery. We stand in solidarity with the Jewish community of Toulouse and the entire Jewish community of France. We call on French law enforcement to do everything to apprehend those responsible for this attack as well as anyone who aids and abets these heinous acts,” said Richard Stone, chairman, and Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman.
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World Jewish Congress
World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S. Lauder reacted with horror and shock to the attack, saying: “Today, Jews everywhere in the world are weeping in sorrow and disgust in the face of this despicable terrorist attack. Targeting children is a particularly sick and vile act, and nothing can justify it. This attack is an attack on all of us. We have full confidence that the French authorities will do everything in their power to quickly hunt down the perpetrator of this horrible crime and bring him to justice. Jews in all countries stand shoulder to shoulder with French Jewry. We weep for the victims, and our hearts go out to their families,” Lauder added. The WJC president praised the show of solidarity by senior French politicians in the wake of the attack.
European Jewish Congress
Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress, said in a statement: “While many of the details are still emerging, it appears that this was a premeditated attack with the intention to murder Jewish children. We hope the authorities will spare no resources in apprehending the perpetrator. Whoever did this is looking to target the Jewish community at its weakest point, its youth, in the hopes of spreading fear throughout the community. They will not suceed.”
Conference of European Rabbis
Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, president of the Conference of European Rabbis, declared: “There is today an urgent need to ensure that appropriate security measures are put in place at all Jewish institutions in Europe to ensure that the safety of Jews on this continent is not placed in jeopardy.”
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Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort, Chabad of La Costa, Carlsbad, California:
Our hearts and prayers are with the victims of this terrible tragedy in Southern France. The Jewish response to terror and darkness has always been to make a concerted effort to add light and goodness into an otherwise dark and cruel world. Three suggestions that we can all do in memory and in the merit of the victims:
1. Everyone should say some extra chapters of Psalms.
2. Everyone should spend at least a few minutes studying Torah, like the portion of the week.
3. Give some extra Tzedakah (charity). The power of charity can literally add life and light in the world.
Let us all pray for, and do all in our power, to usher in the era when G-dliness will be revealed to all with the immediate arrival of our righteous Moshiach!
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Preceding compiled from news releases