Belgian security forces at the site of the metro bombing. (AP)
Israel’s leaders embraced their Belgian counterparts in wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, and called for a united front against global Islamic terrorism.
Israeli leaders and top officials conveyed condolences to their Belgian counterparts in wake of the double Muslim terrorist attacks in Brussels that struck Brussels on Tuesday, killing 35 and wounding scores.
President Reuven Rivlin sent a letter of condolence to King Philippe of Belgium in which he wrote that Israel’s “hearts and thoughts are with the people of Belgium at this difficult time. Sadly, we, in Israel, are no strangers to the horror and grief that follows such murderous attacks and can understand the pain you all feel now.”
Rivlin stressed that “terrorism is terrorism is terrorism, whether it takes place in Brussels, Paris, Istanbul or Jerusalem,” and that “these horrific events once again prove that we must all stand united in the fight against those who seek to use violence to stifle individual liberty and freedom of thought and belief, and continue to destroy the lives of so many.”
“The people of Israel share with me in mourning the sad loss of life. Please convey our sincere condolences to the bereaved families and to the people of Belgium and our wishes for a speedy recovery to all the injured,” Rivlin concluded.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke on the phone with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel on Tuesday evening and expressed the condolences on behalf of the people of Israel, as well as wishes for a quick recovery to those who were injured in the attacks.
Netanyahu told his Belgian counterpart that terrorism does not distinguish between countries and offered Israel’s help and cooperation in the fight against terrorism. The two leaders agreed to meet soon.
At the United Nations, Israel’s Ambassador Danon reached out to his Belgian counterpart Ambassador Bénédicte Frankinet and conveyed the condolences of the State of Israel to her country.
“All of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the people of Belgium. Our citizens know all too well the pain and the loss that terrorism inflicts on families and communities and we wish you better days ahead,” Danon wrote. “Terrorism does not differentiate between Turks and Americans or between Europeans and Israelis. Now is the time to stand together and unite in a joint battle to eradicate international terrorism.”
By: Max Gelber, United with Israel