White House, State Department condemn Jerusalem terrorist attack

(JNS.org) – “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,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. “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 offers the Israeli government and people its full support, and President Joe Biden directed the 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 statement added.

Tom Nides, the U.S. ambassador to Israel, issued a statement on Twitter condemning the “horrific act of violence at a Jerusalem synagogue on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.”

“I am shocked and disgusted at this heinous terrorist attack on innocent people, including children,” he wrote. “Praying for all of the victims and their loved ones.”

The attack killed seven people and injured several others, some seriously, at a Jerusalem synagogue.

Members of Congress also put out statements condemning the attack, including Reps. Pat Ryan, Ritchie Torres, Brian Fitzpatrick, Carlos Gimenez, Andy Biggs, Jerry Nadler, Randy Feenstra, Jim Risch, Doug Lamborn and Brad Finstad.

“Attacking worshippers at a synagogue on Shabbat is a purely evil act. We will never let terror win,” wrote Asaf Zamir, consul general of Israel in New York.

“My heart breaks for the victims’ families,” Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Gilad Erdan wrote. “The world must support Jews when we defend ourselves against terror. This is the true meaning of Never Again.”

Statements also poured in from across the diplomatic community, including from the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Italian foreign minister, Australian, Dutch, EU, German, Swedish and UK ambassadors to Israel, as well as Azerbaijan’s foreign affairs ministry.