The head of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) on Monday expressed outrage over the terror attack at a mosque in Quebec City, Canada. At least six people were murdered by two masked gunmen on Sunday night, and eight wounded.
WJC President Ronald S. Lauder declared: “Muslim worshippers were brutally attacked last night in a horrific attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Islamic community and with the people of Canada, and we hope those who perpetrated this abhorrent act of mass murder will be brought to justice."
Lauder reiterated a statement he made last July, after the killing of a French priest near Rouen by terrorists: “We must not be intimidated by terrorism, but cherish our freedom, including the freedom to worship.
“We must defend each other, and we must look after one another: one religious community after the other, one country after the other. The scourge of terrorism won’t be defeated unless we are united in our resolve to defeat it.”
Quebec provincial police spokeswoman Christine Coulombe confirmed to reporters that six people between the ages of 35 and 70 were confirmed dead and eight injured. The mosque's president, Mohamed Yangui, who was not inside when the shooting occurred, said he had received frantic calls from people at evening prayers. "Why is this happening here? This is barbaric,” he said.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement: "We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge. Muslim-Canadians are an important part of our national fabric, and these senseless acts have no place in our communities, cities and country."
Philippe Couillard, prime minister of Quebec, on Twitter called the attack "a terrorist act" and called for "solidarity with Quebecers of the Muslim faith".
