Ohr Torah Stone’s Center for Jewish-Christian Understanding and Cooperation (CJCUC) in Jerusalem wishes to express our sincerest condolences to the families of Sri Lanka who lost their loved ones in today’s terrorist attacks that took the lives of more than 200 people and injured hundreds. Three Catholic churches were part of the targeted attacks while congregants were involved in prayer on one of Christianity’s sacred days. Rabbi Kenneth Brander, President of Ohr Torah Stone, said that “the holiday of Passover reminds us of the need to speak out against affliction especially when targeted against religious groups on their holy days.”
According to David Nekrutman, CJCUC’s Executive Director, the coordinated bombings in Sri Lanka that included churches, hotels, and other sites, is the largest and deadliest attack to occur in one day against Christians in the 21st Century. “These acts of terrorism whether in Pittsburgh, ChristChurch or Sri Lanka should be a wakeup call for the international community to take steps to ensure the security of all wishing to express their faith without fear,” remarked Nekrutman.
The CJCUC staff has been in communication with Catholic leaders and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Tel Aviv to express their solidarity of those who have been directly affected by this morning’s tragedy. CJCUC will continue to monitor the situation and research the appropriate charities to help with the relief efforts in Colombo, Negombo, and Batticaloa.