World leaders expressed deep shock after the attack in the Neve Ya'akov neighborhood of Jerusalem in which seven Israelis were murdered. One country stood out as it does not have official relations with Israel, Saudi Arabia.
From the White House to the UN Secretary-General, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and European Union nations along with a bipartisan mix of US Congressional members, governors, mayors, and districts all expressed disgust at the vile act and its deadly consequences. Some emphasized the fact that the attack was carried out outside of a synagogue and on International Holocaust Day, something that, according to them, makes it even more despicable.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is expected to land in Israel tomorrow said in his statement that the US "condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrible terrorist attack that took place today outside a synagogue in Jerusalem. We are in close contact with our Israeli partners, and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Israel's security." The State Department said last night that despite the security situation, no changes are expected in Blinken's plans. "Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to those killed in this heinous act of violence. We strongly condemn this terrorist attack."
The #UAE has condemned the “terrorist” #attack that killed seven outside a synagogue in Israeli-annexed east #Jerusalem.https://t.co/ZSZM0hBH3I
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) January 28, 2023
The US ambassador to Israel, Tom Nides, further added in his statement: “Horrific act of violence at a Jerusalem synagogue on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. I am shocked and disgusted at this heinous terrorist attack on innocent people, including children. Praying for all of the victims and their loved ones.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates strongly condemned the attack, stating that the Emirates "opposes all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability and contradicting human values and principles. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences to the government of Israel and its friendly people, and its sympathy to the families of the victims as a result of this heinous crime. We wish a speedy recovery to all the injured."
Saudi Arabia stunned many by issuing their own condemnation that was seen as a rebuke of the Palestinian Authority's support for terror. This came on the heels of another statement that blasted Israel for killing 9 militants during a firefight in Jenin last Thursday. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s warning that the situation between Palestinians and Israelis will slide into further serious escalation," the Saudi ministry tweeted on Saturday, adding: "The Kingdom condemns all targeting of civilians."
The British Foreign Minister said that "to attack worshippers at a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day, and during Shabbat, is horrific. We stand with our Israeli friends".
#Breaking: The mother of the terrorist who murdered Seven Israel innocent people outside a synagogue on Shabbat is celebrating by handing out sweets in the streets. #Israel #Usa #India #Pakistan #SaudiArabia #UAE #Russia #Sweden #UN #AmnestyInternationalleaks #Palestine #Faza pic.twitter.com/tv8kOp5XTP
— International Leaks (@Internl_Leaks) January 28, 2023
The German ambassador in Israel said he was "Deeply saddened by reports of a Palestinian gunman killing worshippers near a synagogue in Neve Yaakov, an evil terrorist act against Jews on Holocaust Remembrance Day. My heart goes out to the families of the murdered victims and I pray for the health of the injured.”
US, UN, UAE, others, denounce ‘heinous’ Palestinian terrorism in Jerusalem.
— Jay Sadian (@DrJayinLA) January 29, 2023
“To attack worshippers at a synagogue on Holocaust Memorial Day, and during Shabbat, is horrific. We stand with our Israeli friends.” https://t.co/rhHxKdgyM9
Even Turkey, which typically blasts Israel for defending itself; and when militants are killed in a firefight with Israeli forces, calls their deaths tragic and even murder, denounced the attack. The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that their country "condemns the attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem on the evening of January 27, in which many lost their lives." It was also reported that "We are concerned that the attacks, which have recently increased in the region, will become a new cycle of violence, and we call on all parties to take the necessary steps to calm and stop such incidents. We offer our condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the attack, the Israeli government and its people, and wish a speedy recovery for the wounded."
