01/09/2015
Federations Condemn Paris Attacks
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The following statement was released on January 9, 2015 from the Jewish Federations of North America.
New York – Following Wednesday’s tragic attack on the Charlie Hebdo magazine, a gunman has taken hostages at a Jewish kosher supermarket in Paris after killing at least two people. The Jewish Federations of North America condemn the attacks on civic institutions and Jewish targets in the strongest possible terms, mourn the loss of life and pray for the injured, and express our support for the people of France at this difficult time.
“We deplore these violent attacks,” stated Michael Siegal, chair of JFNA’s Board of Trustees, “not just against Jews and Jewish institutions but against the people of France and all those who value freedom and democracy. Once again, we are forced to bear witness to the reality that terrorism continues to pose a threat to civil societies everywhere. Together, as a global community, we must find a way to move past this horrible specter of hatred and violence. Our deepest condolences, hopes and prayers are with the families of the victims, the French people and the Jewish community of France during this difficult time.”
In light of this week’s events, Paul Goldenberg, director of the Secure Community Network (SCN), has traveled to Paris to support the community in addressing security issues. SCN, the national homeland security initiative of The Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, has regularly consulted with Jewish organizations in the United States and around the world on security-related matters and in the wake of terrorist attacks such as the ones perpetrated in Paris this week.
As we mourn with the French Jewish community, JFNA leadership will continue to confer with government agencies and officials on matters of Jewish communal safety, and update Jewish community leaders as necessary.
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