Jerusalem, Israel was in turmoil Friday night after a gun-wielding terrorist opened fire on a group of worshipers exiting Sabbath evening prayers at a local synagogue.
According to Breitbart, sadly, at least seven have died due to gunshot wounds, and at least 10 more were injured.
While a motive hasn’t been confirmed, the terrorist attack occurred on International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Just a week prior to the attack, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) raided a known terror cell in Jenin, which resulted in the death of at least nine Palestinians.
The response
The attack — which was reportedly carried out by a 13-year-old Palestinian — on the synagogue sent shockwaves through Israel, especially given the special day that it occurred on. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded.
The prime minister vowed a “strong, swift and precise” response to the attack, according to Reuters.
“We are not seeking escalation, but we are prepared for any scenario,” Netanyaho said.
Reuters added: “He later said the security cabinet decided to increase gun permits for licensed civilians to defend against street attacks. Before the meeting, far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would push for the move.”
The attack was described as the “most deadly” of its kind since 2008.
There hasn’t been a terror attack like this in Israel for a long time — on Shabbat in a synagogue in Jerusalem, a vile terrorist massacred innocents who came to pray. 7 murdered and more injured. My heart just aches! Look at these celebrations of the murder! Evil and inhuman hate pic.twitter.com/pRP1MJ1E1H
— יוסף חדאד – Yoseph Haddad (@YosephHaddad) January 28, 2023
Politicians response
A number of U.S. politicians issued statements on the horrendous attack, with all of them condemning the actions, with the White House remaining eerily quieter than normal.
The terror attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem is horrifying. Israel has a right to exist. Its people deserve the right to worship and live without fear or terror. We are keeping the whole nation of Israel in our prayers,” Texas Republian Ronny Jackson tweeted.
We must condemn the horrific attack in Jerusalem as pure evil. I will always support the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves from terrorism.
— Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) January 28, 2023
It’s truly sad that we live in a world where this still happens so regularly. Hopefully, the people of Israel can recover from the horrific incident and stay safe in the coming weeks and months.