SAZF mourns tragic loss of Jewish life following terrorist attack outside synagogue on International Holocaust Remembrance Day 

The South African Zionist Federation (SAZF) mourns the tragic and senseless loss of life in a terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem yesterday evening. A Palestinian terrorist killed seven Jews and injured 10 others in the Neve Yaakov neighbourhood, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day concluded over Shabbat. 

The Palestinian gunman opened fire on Jews leaving the synagogue after Friday night prayers. He was reportedly a member of Hamas, living in Shuafat.

The injured range from 14-75 in age. Celebrations, including fireworks and guns being shot in the air, were witnessed in Jenin and other Arab towns throughout Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in reaction to the incident. 

Horrifyingly, last night’s merciless violence was followed by another Palestinian terror attack this morning, at the City of David archeological site in Jerusalem. A father and his son were critically injured and are currently in hospital receiving treatment. 

The SAZF calls on the South African government and Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to unequivocally condemn these heinous attacks. 

The SAZF sends its sincere condolences to the families of all victims for the loss of their loved ones, on such an important day for our people and community.