AJC ‘devastated’ by deadly shooting outside its event, as Jewish groups voice horror

The American Jewish Committee (AJC), which was hosting an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, DC, when the shooting attack that killed two Israeli Embassy staffers occurred outside, says it is “devastated,” as Jewish organizations express shock at the attack.

“We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue,” says AJC CEO Ted Deutch. “At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families.”

The Jewish Federations of North America says it is “horrified,” adding: “Our hearts go out to the victims and to our colleagues at AJC.”

“We are working closely with the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and our security partners to monitor the situation, gain a fuller picture of what transpired, and keep our communities informed,” it adds. “The safety and security of the community is our top priority and we will not rest until that safety is fully restored.”

The ZAKA emergency organization expresses its sorrow and solidarity with the families of the victims.

“Sadly, many countries still turn a blind eye to Israel’s just struggle and the challenges faced by the Jewish people,” it says. “Today, just after the March of Support in New York, we were once again reminded of how vital it is to stand united against terror.”

The Combat Antisemitism Movement says: “This murder didn’t happen in a vacuum, but is the direct result of the incessant hatred by those who call to ‘Globalize the Intifada.’ For those who wondered about the context of whether a particular chant was hate speech or anti-Semitic, this is what it looks like when physically manifested. We have warned about the growing violence of the far-left, and now it seems that our deepest fears have come true.”

“The murderer did not know his victims were Israeli, he just knew they attended a Jewish event. When we say that the anti-Semites don’t hate Jews because of Israel, but rather, they hate Israel because it is the Jewish homeland, this is what we mean.”

The Betar US movement calls on the US to “expedite the deportation of illegal pro-Hamas agitators nationwide and prevent the next terror attack against our people.” It adds: “Sadly as we mourn this loss we remind Jews Aliyah is the best solution.”