Rep. Nadler Condemns Attack on School in Jerusalem

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (NY-08), today condemned the attack by gunmen at the Mercaz Harav yeshiva in the Kiryat Moshe neighborhood of Jerusalem.  Reports indicate that at least eight people have been killed, and at least ten people have been wounded.

“I strongly condemn this latest attack on innocent Israelis,” said Rep. Nadler.  “The fact that these gunmen went into a school makes it clear that their intention was to harm and kill as many young people as possible.  This was an attack in the heart of Jerusalem and an attack on innocent students.  These students were attacked for their Jewish identity.  They were gathered to learn about their faith and represented the future of Israel.”

“Moreover, this attack is indicative of the escalating campaign of violence against Israel,” Nadler added.  “It is reprehensible that anyone would deliberately target innocent civilians – students – and those responsible for planning this attack must be brought to justice.  Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas may have condemned the attacks, but if he is serious about peace with Israel, his actions in the days that follow must match his words.”

“The citizens of Israel, our only true ally in the Middle East, have had to endure ongoing attacks by Palestinian terrorists,” said Nadler.  “Israel, like any nation, has the right to defend herself against those that seek to harm her.  Indeed, when Israel acts in self-defense, her actions are focused and limited to military targets.  Today’s action shows yet again that the enemies of Israel have no regard for innocent civilians.”

“I am sickened to hear that in Gaza City, residents filed into the streets and fired their rifles to celebrate the attack,” Nadler added.  “Unlike the school that was attacked today, too many schools for Palestinians still teach violence, hatred and anti-Semitism.  True peace can only be achieved in the Middle East when all parties are truly committed to achieving that end.  My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and with the families who have lost loved ones.”

On Wednesday, the House adopted H.Res. 951, a resolution condemning, “the ongoing Palestinian rocket attacks on Israeli civilians.”  Rep. Nadler, who voted for the legislation, was also a co-sponsor of the bill.