NEW YORK – Following the attacks on two synagogues and a church in Russia’s Dagestan region, Amb. Ronald Lauder, president of the World Jewish Congress, released the following statement:
“We are deeply troubled by what appears to be a coordinated attack on two synagogues, one of which has been burned to the ground, and a deadly attack on a church. An attack on the rights of individuals to practice their faiths freely and openly is an attack on humanity. As we await more information on the motivations of the attackers, we are reminded of the danger posed by antisemitism and all religious-based violence.
“Every public leader, including in international organizations, has an obligation to not only condemn antisemitism without equivocation but act urgently to keep communities safe. We join the world in praying for the people of Derbent and Makhachkala, including law enforcement and clergy, and hope that the perpetrators are quickly brought to justice.”
The World Jewish Congress will continue to monitor the security situation and its implications for the Jewish community together with its regional affiliate, the Russian Jewish Congress.
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