U.N., EU condemn Pittsburgh shooting, call for unity against antisemitism

“Today’s attack in Pittsburgh shows the magnitude of a wave of antisemitism and racism that is spreading in many countries."

By TOVAH LAZAROFF
Updated: OCTOBER 28, 2018 13:06
Police officers guarding the Tree of Life synagogue following shooting at the synagogue, speak with men in orange vest from a Jewish burial society in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, October 27, 2018 (photo credit: REUTERS/JOHN ALTDORFER)
Police officers guarding the Tree of Life synagogue following shooting at the synagogue, speak with men in orange vest from a Jewish burial society in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, October 27, 2018
(photo credit: REUTERS/JOHN ALTDORFER)
The United Nations and European leaders issued immediate condemnations of the Pittsburgh synagogue mass shooting during Saturday’s sabbath morning services that claimed 11 lives.
“The shooting in Pittsburgh is a painful reminder of continuing antisemitism. Jews across the world continue to be attacked for no other reason than their identity. Antisemitism is a menace to democratic values and peace, and should have no place in the 21st century,” the office of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
“The Secretary-General calls for a united front - bringing together authorities at all levels, civil society, religious and community leaders and the public at large -- to roll back the forces of racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hatred, bigotry, discrimination and xenophobia gaining strength in many parts of the world,” his office said.
The European Union said, “Today’s attack in Pittsburgh shows the magnitude of a wave of antisemitism and racism that is spreading in many countries. The European Union expresses its sincere condolences to the families and friends of those affected by today’s attack, as well as to the US authorities.
“We stand in solidarity with the community of the synagogue of Pittsburgh and with all the Jewish communities around the world in this moment. The EU reaffirms its strong condemnation for antisemitism as well as for any incitement to hatred and violence. We have experienced on our continent the devastating and unforgivable consequences of antisemitism and hatred that can never be forgotten; as European institutions we won’t stop working to protecting the fundamental right of belief, wherever it’s questioned or attacked,” the EU said.
German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said, "The dead of #Pittsburgh have apparently fallen victim to brutal antisemitic violence. We are shocked but we will not be silenced: We have to stand up to antisemitism always and everywhere. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted, “I strongly condemn this horrific act of antisemitism in Pittsburgh. All my thoughts to the victims and my sympathy for their beloved ones.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted, "I’m deeply shocked by the reports of a shooting at a synagogue in the US today. Our thoughts are with the Jewish community in Pittsburgh and all those affected by this sickening and cowardly act."