Polish FM condemns synagogue attack in Israel

Poland's foreign minister has condemned Friday’s attack on a synagogue near Jerusalem, calling it a "barbaric act of terrorism."

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau.

Photo: PAP/Leszek Szymański

At least seven people were killed and 10 were injured in the synagogue shooting attack on the outskirts of Jerusalem, Israel's foreign ministry said on Friday, amid high tensions in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Police described the attacker as a "terrorist" and said he had been "neutralised," British broadcaster BBC reported.

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau wrote on Twitter: "The unspeakable cruelty inflicted on the innocents praying today in the House of God in Neve Yakov, Israel."

He added: "I strongly condemn this barbaric act of terrorism and join in the suffering with the families of the victims. May the Merciful Lord soothe their pain."

The unspeakable cruelty inflicted on the innocents praying today in the House of God in Neve Yakov, Israel. I strongly condemn this barbaric act of terrorism and join in the suffering with the families of the victims. May the Merciful Lord soothe their pain.

— Zbigniew Rau (@RauZbigniew) January 27, 2023

White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said the attack tragically occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, "when the memory of those lost in the Holocaust is commemorated around the world."

On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, @SecondGentleman visited Auschwitz to honor the memories of the six million Jews and millions of others who were murdered in the Holocaust. pic.twitter.com/j08TFrwhLd

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 27, 2023

"We strongly condemn the heinous terror attack that took place this evening at a synagogue in Jerusalem, and are shocked and saddened by the loss of life," the White House said in a statement.

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Source: IAR, PAP, Reuters, CNN