It is with heartfelt sadness and determined resolve that the worldwide Jewish community rallies as one voice to condemn the terrorist attacks in France. Following the horrific murders at the Charlie Hebdo magazine office this past Wednesday, gunmen stormed a Jewish kosher supermarket this morning, taking the lives of four innocent people. May their memory be a blessing.

The Jewish Federation of San Diego County stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the innocent victims and hostages. We mourn the loss of life, pray for the injured, and express our sincerest support.

Together, with Jewish Federations everywhere, we stand united.

“Once again, we are forced to bear witness to the reality that terrorism continues to pose a threat to civil societies everywhere,” said Michael Siegal, chair of the Jewish Federations of North America Board of Trustees. “Together, as a global community, we must find a way to move past this horrible specter of hatred and violence.”

As we mourn with the French Jewish community, and condemn the loss of innocent lives now is the time to contact legislators so we may continue the dialogue on how to combat terrorism.

As we light the Shabbat candles tonight, our hearts are especially heavy as we reflect on the lives lost in France‬ this week.

 Shabbat Shalom. We pray for peace.

Michael Sonduck

President and CEO
Jewish Federation of San Diego County