The World Jewish Congress and other Jewish organizations have expressed outrage and concern over this week’s violent protests against the US in Libya, Egypt and Yemen, which led to the death of US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and several other Americans. The anti-American violence ramped up in part from furor over a film protestors consider offensive to Islam. The protests began in Egypt on Tuesday when demonstrators scaled the walls of the US Embassy in Cairo and tore down the American flag. Violence continued Thursday with multiple reports of demonstrators throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails. On Friday, the German and British embassies in Khartoum, Sudan, were attacked by a mob.

“We are horrified by this terrible attack and extend our deepest condolences to the families of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the three American diplomats killed in this senseless act of violence,” said World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder, adding: “This tragedy cannot be justified for religious or any other reasons. It is all the more tragic because it took the innocent lives of those who were clearly intent on bringing aid and hope to a country seeking to rebuild after ending a long period of tyranny and dictatorship. Ambassador Chris Stevens, sworn into office only a few months ago, came to Libya, together with his colleagues, to help build friendships and improve the quality of life for the Libyan people."

In a speech in Cologne, Germany, Lauder warned that the message of hate which was spread by Iran and others could also affect European countries, and that it was time to act against Muslim extremism.