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Jewish leaders around the world condemn Paris terror attacks

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Jewish leaders in France and across the world have condemned the terrorist attacks that took place in Paris on Friday night, killing 129 people and leaving 350 injured.

France’s umbrella Jewish group, the French Representative Council of Jewish Institutions (Crif), said in a statement: “The global war against the monstrosity of jihadist fanaticism must become an absolute priority of democratic nations.

“We must fight it without mercy, without relenting, in order to vanquish it.”

France’s Chief Rabbi, Rabbi Haim Korsia, described the attacks as “unspeakable cruelty” and encouraged French Jews to observe the national three-day mourning period in prayer.

He said the country must “heal its wounds, recover and move forward in a united way in order to fight against terrorism and all those who exploit and lead astray religion to kill in the name of god”.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his office had shared all available security and intelligence information with French officials.

He said in a statement: “We are not exactly a marginal player in this field, and the information that we have we are sharing with France and other relevant countries.

“It is an important part of the cooperation against the terrorism of the Islamic State and of radical Islamic terrorism in general.”

He added: "Israel stands shoulder to shoulder with President François Hollande and with the French people in the joint war against terrorism. I offer the condolences of the people of Israel to the families of those murdered, and wish those wounded a speedy recovery.”

Other international Jewish leaders expressed their “shock and outrage”.

Ronald S. Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress (WJC), said the attacks represented: “one of the most sickening forms of human violence one can imagine”.

He added: “The French Republic is strong, the French people are strong, and your government is strong.

"I have no doubt that you and your government will contend with this menace in the appropriate way. Rest assured that in this endeavor you have the support of the Jewish people and the entire free world. Our common values are stronger than those of the terrorists. Our common values will prevail.

“I think I speak on behalf of millions of Jews around the world, who are today grieving with your people, when I say: Bon courage, Monsieur le Président! We stand with you! Vive la République! Vive la France!.”

President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Chief Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, said: “The Conference of European Rabbis joins with communities around the world in mourning for those who were killed in last night’s tragic events in Paris. Our thoughts are with the victims families.

“We call on European governments, together with the USA and Russia, to join forces to eradicate Islamic State in all its forms.

“We are also aware of how vulnerable the Jewish communities of France are and we urge the government not to neglect the security and protection of Jewish institutions.”

Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis also sent his condolences to the people of France.

He said: “I am so deeply shocked to hear about the horrific events in Paris. Our hearts go out to the families of those killed and the many wounded in this senseless and brutal attack on our freedom and our democratic values."

Daesh, otherwise known as Isis, has confirmed that it was responsible the coordinated attacks that took place on Friday night across Paris, with shootings, suicide bombings and hostage taking place at a stadium, concert hall, a Cambodian restaurant and other areas of the city.

It is the second major terrorist attack in France this year, following two coordinated attacks last year - one, on the offices of French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, where 12 people were killed; and one on the nearby Jewish supermarket where four people were killed.

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