Jewish groups condemn attack

World Jewish Congress president Ronald Lauder called the shooting a “horrific attack” Monday morning and called for “those who perpetrated this abhorrent act of mass murder” to be “brought to justice.”

“We must not be intimidated by terrorism, but cherish our freedom, including the freedom to worship.”

The American Jewish Committee said it was appalled by the attack, and extended its condolences to the victims’ relatives.

“This was an attack on Canada, not only on one mosque. Indeed, it was an attack on any democratic society founded on religious pluralism that today faces threats against its Muslim populations,” said Robert Silverman, director of Muslim-Jewish relations.

Rabbi Reuben Poupko, co-chair of the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs in Quebec said “Nothing justifies the murder of innocent civilians assembled in a place of worship.”

European Jewish Congress president Dr. Moshe Kantor also slammed the attack.

“It is precisely at times like these that we need greater unity and less division and intolerance,” he said.

British Board of Deputies president Jonathan Arkush, who is traveling the country to promote Jewish-Muslim relations, also condemned the attack. “There can be no justification whatsoever for the wanton slaughter of innocents,” he said.