Israel to New Zealand: We Stand with You

The State of Israel conveyed its condolences to New Zealand following the massacre of 50 Muslims worshipers at mosques in Christchurch by a white supremacist.

By: TPS

Following news of a horrific massacre at two mosques in New Zealand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded, “Israel mourns the wanton murder of innocent worshipers in Christchurch and condemns the brazen act of terror in New Zealand.”

“Israel sends its condolences to the bereaved families and its heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded,” he said.

Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated that “Israel expresses condolences to the government and the people of New Zealand and to the families of those killed after the hate crime in the mosques in the city of Christchurch.”

“We condemn all forms of terrorism, hatred and violence. The harm to innocent people in a prayer house is unacceptable,” he added.

The Israeli Embassy in New Zealand tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the terror attacks in Christchurch. A tragic and sad day for New Zealand. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this terrible event.”

Israel’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon stated that Israel’s “thoughts are with the families of the victims of the terrible shooting against mosques in Christchurch. We express full solidarity with New Zealand and its people. We should never let hatred, violence and terror win.”

Ata Alian, a software engineer from the Abu Dis neighborhood in Jerusalem, was one of the victims in the massacre. He was married and had a two-year-old daughter. His father, Dr. Muhammad Alian, was also injured in the shooting and is still being treated in an intensive care unit while in serious condition.