Joint statement from the Board and the JLC on terror attack in Jerusalem

The Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Jewish Leadership Council deplore and condemn the horrific terror attack which took place in Jerusalem this morning and resulted in the murder of four Israelis and the wounding of several others.

The attack comes during a period of heightened tension in Jerusalem, exacerbated by the incessant incitement not just by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, but also the Palestinian Authority and its President Mahmoud Abbas. Mr Abbas’s condemnation of the attack is ultimately an empty one if the incitement continues. We urge the international community to call on Abbas to end this dangerous provocation before further bloodshed occurs.

Vivian Wineman, President of the Board of Deputies and Chair of the JLC’s Council of Membership said: “We ask all actors to step back from the abyss of violence and to take steps towards ending the current bloodshed. We need leadership on all sides to bring peace, security, prosperity and equality to Israelis and Palestinians.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.