U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the below statement in response to the terror attack in a Jerusalem synagogue that killed four rabbis, including three Israeli-American citizens.

“Today’s horrific attack on worshipers at a synagogue in Jerusalem is a heinous act that demands complete and utter condemnation. To have disorder and terror interrupt the calm of morning prayers is deplorable and sickening to the core. No words of comfort can provide solace to the four bereaved families who have lost loved ones, all of whom were rabbis. We have been notified that Rabbi Moshe Twersky, who comes from a line of great and learned rabbis, has a son who lives in Lakewood, New Jersey and I stand alongside the Twersky family and Lakewood community during this period of mourning.

“This tragedy demands a forceful response from President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority. His words of condemnation are welcome, but must be followed up by a sincere demonstration of leadership. President Abbas should use every tool at his disposal to deescalate this worsening situation in Jerusalem and guide the Palestinian people to reject violence and promote peace. Tensions are understandably running very high today in Jerusalem and I urge all parties to refrain from further acts of violence. Too many innocent lives have been lost and too much blood has been spilled during these recent months and it must end.”

[TLS]