Amb. Danon, U.S. Jewish groups condemn ISIS-inspired attack in France
Several leaders and organizations offered condemnatory words and statements of support for the victims of Friday's attack.
By DANIEL J. ROTHUpdated: MARCH 25, 2018 14:20Rescue and police forces at Super U in Trebes, France during a hostage situation there(photo credit: JEAN-PAUL PELISSIER / REUTERS)
LOS ANGELES – Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon extended his condolences to France on Friday after a terror attack in Trèbes left four dead and more than 10 wounded.“We send our condolences to [French Ambassador to the UN François] Delattre and [France’s mission to the UN] on the horrible loss of life in the terror attack, and we commend the French security forces for their brave actions in neutralizing the terrorist,” he wrote on Twitter. “Only by standing resolutely together will we ultimately defeat terror.”Danon was joined by US Jewish organizations who fumed over the loss of life taken by a Islamist, condemning the attack without reservation.“The World Jewish Congress condemns in the strongest possible terms the despicable and heinous act of indiscriminate terror unleashed today in southwest France,” WJC president Ron Lauder said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims and their families, and underscore our solidarity with the people of France at this difficult time.“This was an attack not just on France, but on the free world as one, and to the very values of life and liberty that our society is built on. We must stand strong against the poison of terror, and make it clear that we will not let hate and violence triumph,” he added.The Jewish Federation of North America told The Jerusalem Post it was “outraged” by the deadly incident, identified by authorities as Redouane Lakdim, a 25-year-old Moroccan-born French national.“We are outraged that terrorists continue to wreak havoc on innocent lives, and pray for the day that we no longer have to live in fear of random acts of violence,” the organization said. “Our hearts cry out for the victims and their families. May the memories of those who have passed be a blessing.”The co-founder of feminist group Zioness, Amanda Berman, told the Post she “was horrified to wake up to the news that France, our partner in liberal democracy, is enduring yet another terror attack.“The hearts of many Zionesses go out to our French sisters and brothers this morning,” she said.Jewish leaders in France swiftly sent condolences soon after learning of the carnage committed at the Super U store in Trèbes, where police killed the suspect in an hours-long standoff.
A statement Friday by CRIF, the umbrella group of French Jewish communities, said the incident “reawakens in us the fear and pain that we felt on January 9, 2015,” when an Islamist holed up with automatic weapons inside the Hyper Cacher supermarket in Paris and killed four Jews before police broke in and shot him to death.According to French daily Le Monde, the suspect had shouted that he was affiliated with Islamic State and demanded the release of Salah Abdeslam, who is standing trial in Belgium for his alleged role in terrorist attacks in Paris in 2015.Deputy Foreign Minister Tzipi Hotovely said Israel conveyed “thoughts and prayers with the hostages and their families.” Israel and France, she said, “share values of freedom and liberty and are cooperating in the global fight against terror.”JTA contributed to this report.
