Canadian Jewish Community Deeply Saddened, Appalled, and Concerned By Murders in Belgium, Attack in Paris

OTTAWA, May 25, 2014 /CNW/ - Four people were murdered in a shooting at a Jewish Museum in Brussels, Belgium. Two of the four victims have been confirmed to be Israelis. Two Jews were later assaulted in front of a synagogue in Paris.

In response, David Koschitzky, Chair of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), issued the following statement:

"The Jewish community of Canada is deeply saddened and appalled by the senseless loss of life in Brussels yesterday afternoon. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, four innocent people murdered, two of whom were Israeli citizens, apparently because of hatred and bigotry. We are also concerned about and outraged by the assault on two Jews in front of a Paris synagogue."

"We don't know the full story of what transpired in Brussels and therefore do not want to speculate about the case. That said, the initial evidence suggests it is too early to rule out antisemitism as a motive. We will be watching the investigation very closely. We are disturbed by the increase in violent antisemitism globally, including a second incident over the weekend in France where two Jews were assaulted in front of their Synagogue."

"We call on all governments and peace loving people to send a clear message that antisemitism will not be tolerated and should be categorically rejected for what it is: irrational, baseless, and senseless hatred of Jews."

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is the non-partisan advocacy arm of the Jewish Federations of Canada.

SOURCE: Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs

Martin Sampson, CIJA, 613-219-3500, [email protected]