PARIS (Press Release) — The American Jewish Committee (AJC) is appalled by the terrorist attack on Wednesday, Jan. 7, on the office of a French magazine. At least 12 are dead, and several of the wounded are in critical condition, after hooded gunmen shouting “Allahu Akbar” and “Avenge the prophet,” stormed the office of the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in the center of the French capital.
“Islamic terrorism has struck once again in the heart of our beloved France,” said Simone Rodan-Benzaquen, director of AJC Paris. “Their target was both those who worked at the magazine and the laudable values of an open, democratic society they embodied. There can be no compromise with such murderers and their heinous world view.”
The terror alert in France was raised after the attack to its highest level. French President Hollande, condemning the attack on Charlie Hebdo, said several other terror attacks had been thwarted in recent weeks.
Three years ago, Charlie Hebdo’s offices were the subject of an arson attack in response to its publication of cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammed on its cover.
The perpetrators of today’s terror attack in Paris remain at large.
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Other reactions from the Jewish community:
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California) “This was a barbaric attack on innocent French citizens and on our shared belief in the fundamental right of free expression. My thoughts and prayers are with the injured and the families of those killed in this heinous and cowardly act of terror.”
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Maryland): “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack on Charlie Hebdo. Violent attempts to silence free speech and expression are not only reprehensible, but are an affront to the democratic principles France and the United States so deeply value. The targeting of journalists is cowardly and inexcusable. I join the international community in sending my thoughts and prayers to the victims’ families and the people of France as they navigate this difficult time. The United States and our allies will never accept this type of senseless violence. Today, we recommit ourselves to defending the rule of law and countering extremism. Those responsible for this attack must be brought to justice.”
U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-New York): “I’m outraged and disgusted by today’s terrorist attack in Paris. My heart goes out to the families and colleagues of all the victims.”
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California): “Today’s dastardly terrorist attack in Paris is a reminder of the depravity of violent extremists. They speak for no religion or political philosophy—they only seek to spread terror and death. Attacks in Mumbai, Nairobi, Brussels, Sydney and now Paris show that terrorists can strike anywhere and underscore the need to remain vigilant. My thoughts and condolences are with the families of those killed today, and I stand in solidarity with the people of France as they pursue these murderers. We must remain steadfast in the face of such extremism and remain on alert for attacks at home.”
Abraham Foxman, Anti-Defamation League National Director: “We are outraged and horrified by this terror attack which was a dreadful reminder of the terror attacks at the Jewish school in Toulouse and the Jewish museum in Brussels. French authorities rightly declared this horrific attack to be against the French Republic, just as they have when radical Islamists have attacked French Jews and Jewish institutions. Radical Islamist terrorists targeted a French symbol of press freedom. While we have criticized Charlie Hebdo’s insulting caricatures in the past, terrorism is never justified and freedom of the press must be protected. Newspapers must be free to publish controversial content, not without criticism, but without intimidation or violence. The swift and unconditional condemnations by mainstream French Muslim leaders should be highlighted and should focus anger and blame where they belong – on the terrorists and their sympathizers, who oppose freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of religion. We extend condolences to the families of the victims and to the French people.”