JNS news briefs: April 14, 2014

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Jewish groups react to Kansas City area shootings

(JNS.org) Leading American Jewish groups reacted swiftly with an outpouring of support for the Kansas City Jewish community following Sunday afternoon’s shootings.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called the shootings “heinous and unspeakable acts of violence.”

“We at the Jewish Federations stand in solidarity with the Jewish community in Kansas City following today’s horrific events, and our sympathies are with the families of the victims,” Michael Siegal, chair of the Jewish Federations of North America, stated.

“Our hearts go out to the victims of this heartbreaking tragedy,” said American Jewish Committee Executive Director David Harris.

B’nai B’rith International said it “extends its condolences to the victims, families and entire Jewish community in the Kansas City area after a deadly shooting at the JCC of Greater Kansas City and the Village Shalom assisted living center.”

Meanwhile, from Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs, Dvir Kahana issued the following statement:  “It is hard to imagine in this day and age that there is still such extreme hatred of Jews which lead to these appalling murders. I am confident the local authorities will do everything in their power to both punish the killer and fight this phenomenon. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and our thoughts go out to the Jewish community in Kansas City. On this Passover eve, Jews in Israel and across the globe are united in condemning this horrific act of violence.”

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Israeli economy grew 3.3 percent in 2013

(Israel Hayom/Exclusive to JNS.org) Israel’s economy grew by 3.3 percent in 2013, the country’s Central Bureau of Statistics said on Sunday.

The figure marks a slight drop from 2012 and 2011, when the economy expanded by 3.4 percent and 4.6 percent, respectively. Nevertheless, Israel’s economy in 2013 outperformed many European economies, some of which experienced half its growth rate.

Israel’s gross domestic product per capita reached a new high in 2013 of $35,000. According to CBS projections, it will reach $40,000 by the end of 2014.

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Israeli border policemen injured in Temple Mount clash

(JNS.org) Three Israeli border policemen sustained mild injuries Sunday following clashes that broke out on the Temple Mount shortly after it was opened for Jewish visitors, Israel Hayom reported.

Muslims praying in the area threw stones and Molotov cocktails at border police stationed at the Mughrabi Gate entrance.

Jewish visitors were quickly escorted from the premises as border police officers attempted to restore order and pursue the rioters. One woman was arrested for suspected involvement in the clashes, and three other people were arrested later.

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