European and British Jewry expressed its solidarity with Great Britain in the wake of the multi-site terror attack that took place Wednesday afternoon in central London.
The death toll rose Wednesday night, with four people dead, including a police officer, in addition to the killer; at least 40 others were wounded, including a dozen who were critically injured.
UK Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis said in a statement issued early Wednesday evening, “Today’s attack, which targeted the very heart of our democracy in Westminster, will serve only to unite us against the scourge of violence and terrorism. The prayers of the Jewish community are with the families of the victims and with our security services, who so often selflessly place themselves in harm’s way for our protection.”
The European Jewish Congress issued a separate statement on behalf of European Jewry, condemning the attack and offering condolences to the British government and people.
“This strike, at the heart of democracy, on the anniversary of the Brussels attacks which claimed the lives of 32 people, once again demonstrates that radical extremists continue to have the ability and motivation to commit mass murder in Europe,” EJC President Dr. Moshe Kantor said in the statement.
“This murderous ideology targets all of Europeans and all of Europe must stand together to fight this scourge.”