Message from Rabbi Doron Perez, President of the World Zionist Organization

“Our hearts are bleeding in pain for every member of the Jewish community killed in Sydney and to the extended Sydney Jewish community. 

“Just as you have stood by us for more than 26 months of difficulty in Israel, we pray and stand together with you as our brothers and sisters, in solidarity and prayer at this painful time. We may be the smallest nation, but we are the biggest family. We are interlinked in our historic covenant of fate, family, and solidarity. 

“To the Australian government, and indeed every national leader and person of influence who has failed to properly recognise and deter the escalating threat from terror and incitement – you must accept that this is the horrific and tragic result. 

“How can it be that on a Jewish holiday celebrating religious freedom in a democratic country, which is entrusted to enshrine personal and religious freedom for all its citizens, that such a slaughter of innocents can happen at the hands of blood-thirsty terrorists? How much blood needs to be spilled before the dangerous scourge of antisemitism in the guise of anti-Zionism is taken seriously by the decision makers? 

“We also call on all relevant authorities across the globe to immediately and effectively implement the necessary security and civil defence measures so that every Jewish community will be safe.”