Israel condemns attacks against Christians in Sri Lanka, offers assistance
Israel condemned the massacre of over 200 Christians killed in multiple attacks on churches and hotels in several cities across Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday.
The city of Tel Aviv lit its city hall with the flag of Sri Lanka in solidarity with the country after over 200 Christians were murdered in Easter Sunday terror attacks.
(Photo by Kobi Richter/TPS)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “deep shock over the murderous attacks against innocent civilians in Sri Lanka” on behalf of the citizens of Israel.
“Israel stands ready to assist the authorities in Sri Lanka at this difficult time,” he stated, calling on the world to “unite in the battle against the scourge of terrorism.”
“Israel condemns these terrorist attacks and stands with the people of Sri Lanka at this difficult time,” stated Yuval Rotem, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Our condolences go to the families of the victims and our wishes for a quick recovery to all those injured.”
“Terrible news from Sri Lanka, with many dead and wounded in terror attacks against churches and hotels, on Easter Sunday. Our heart goes to the victims and their families,” stated Foreign Ministry Spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the people of Sri Lanka in this dark hour. We must all stand together united against terror, and we stand ready to provide assistance to our brothers and sisters in their time of need,” stated Ron Malka, Israeli Ambassador to India and Sri Lanka.
“World Jewry–in fact all civilized people–denounce this heinous outrage and appeal for zero tolerance of those who use terror to advance their objectives,” stated World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald Lauder.
“This truly barbarous assault on peaceful worshippers on one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar serves as a painful reminder that the war against terror must be at the top of the international agenda and pursued relentlessly,” he added, noting that “sadly, Jews, repeatedly targeted by terrorists, know this pain first hand. We pray for the swift recovery of the survivors and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones.”
A series of eight destructive bomb attacks were carried out at different locations in Sri Lanka. At least two of the explosions were carried out by suicide bombers. At least 207 people were killed, 450 people were wounded and seven people were arrested.
No organization has taken responsibility for the attacks yet. The Islamic State (ISIS) terror group and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam are the immediate suspects.
No Israelis were harmed in the attacks.
World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder has denounced a ‘heinous outrage’ and appealed for zero tolerance of terror.
Lauder said: “World Jewry–in fact all civilized people–denounce this heinous outrage and appeal for zero tolerance of those who use terror to advance their objectives. This truly barbarous assault on peaceful worshippers on one of the holiest days in the Christian calendar serves as a painful reminder that the war against terror must be at the top of the international agenda and pursued relentlessly. Sadly, Jews, repeatedly targeted by terrorists, know this pain first hand. We pray for the swift recovery of the survivors and extend our heartfelt condolences to those who have lost loved ones.”
