NEW YORK - World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder on Friday harshly condemned the deadly attack on a bus of Coptic Christians in Egypt, which claimed the lives of more than two dozen people, and called on Muslim leaders to speak out on their behalf and work together to curb sectarian violence.
“Jews around the world stand in solidarity with the embattled Coptic community in Egypt as it mourns at this difficult time, and our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
“This is the third major terrorist attack against Christians in Egypt in recent months. It is another shocking and devastating reminder of the sectarian violence that has been ripping the Middle East apart. Islamist fanatics and terrorists are leaving an entire region in constant fear, robbing people of their lives or driving them from their homes.
“It is heartbreaking that Christians in the Middle East, living in peril and uncertainty, do not receive the international attention or concern they deserve.
“I urge Muslim leaders to speak on their behalf and do everything possible to protect them against this terror and curb the sectarian violence.
“Muslims around the world today are beginning to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, a time of prayer and charity. I hope that this Ramadan will be a month of peace for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.”
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