Following today’s tragic event at a French school which left 4 Jewish people – including three children – dead, the OU and Agudath Yisroel of America have released the following statments. The OU said: “Today, in the wake of the heinous shooting attack at a Jewish school in Toulouse, France, the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella issued the following statement:

All Jews feel responsible for each other, and never more keenly when any of our brethren come under attack for no reason except that they are Jews. The horrific murders today of four Jews in Toulouse, France, were an attack on all Jews everywhere. Our hearts go out to the bereaved families.

In the wake of this event, the Orthodox Union reminds our synagogues and schools to be in contact with their local law enforcement authorities, maintain their vigilance and review their security procedures.

The Orthodox Union will continue its work with federal, state and local homeland security agencies to ensure the security of our community.

In the words of a prayer for God’s compassion in this morning’s service, “We are given no rest.” May the day soon come when all hate is eradicated, and when God’s mercy extends over all.”

Agudath Yisroel of America issued the following statment:

“The murderous attack on the Ozar Hatorah school in Toulouse, France this morning is a tragedy that rightly tears the hearts of Jews and people of good will everywhere. More than a tragedy, though, it is an expression of evil, of the Jew-hatred that masquerades as many things but in its essence remains wickedness alone.

Agudath Israel of America joins in the mourning for our four brothers murdered in cold blood today, a teacher and his two children, and an 8-year old child. And we pray for the wounded 17-year-old’s full and quick recovery.

We also call upon the French authorities to leave no stone unturned in the search for the perpetrators of this repulsive act. Evil left to fester will only spread.” TLS. Photo-YWN.