New York - The Rabbinical Assembly is appalled by the horrendous attack that occurred this morning at Kehilat Bnei Torah in Har Nof in Jerusalem, killing four rabbis and wounding numerous others. The RA is particularly dismayed by the evil of attacking Jews in a synagogue while praying. We agree with and echo the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in saying that this morning’s attack is especially brutal and senseless in that it occurred in a holy place meant to be a sanctuary, and it is "an act of pure terror."
This attack comes on the heels of numerous other vehicle and stabbing attacks in Israel that have killed innocent people attempting to carry on normally with their everyday lives. The RA strongly condemns those responsible, and calls upon Palestinian leadership to urgently lead their people toward peace and away from gruesome attacks on blameless Israeli citizens. We also call on all world leaders and governments, especially those in the Arab World, to condemn acts of terrorism committed against civilians. The RA joins with the worldwide Jewish community and extends its deepest sympathies to the families of the victims and prays for strength to our Israeli brothers and sisters.