India condemns Jerusalem terror attack, Israel says humbled by wide support

India has strongly condemned Friday’s terror attack at a synagogue in Jerusalem which left at least seven dead and another three injured.

“We strongly condemn last night’s terror attack in Jerusalem. We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Saturday afternoon.

As tributes poured in from all corners, Israeli Ambassador in New Delhi Naor Gilon said that his country is humbled by the wide support from India following the terror attack.

“We are humbled by the wide support from India following the terror attack in Jerusalem on Jews going to synagogue on Shabbat. It left 7 dead and 3 wounded. Women, men, old, young. Thanks to the police forces who shot the terrorist. India and Israel, united we stand,” tweeted Gilon.

The attack against Jews praying at a synagogue in the Neve Yaakov neighborhood of Jerusalem occurred on the day marked by the world as International Holocaust Remembrance Day.

The Israeli government said that the attack is an escalation in terrorist activity and that it will not compromise the lives of its citizens.

“Israel will continue to act forcefully against the threat of terrorism. We will pursue and reach every terrorist who harms Israeli citizens. Anyone who wishes to harm Israel must know that they will pay a heavy price for their actions,” said the Israeli Foreign Ministry in a statement.

Focusing on their common threat of international terrorism – and the use of technology to get rid of it – both India and Israel have acknowledged mutual security challenges and convergences on a number of strategic and defence issues.

Also Read: 2008 Mumbai terror attack survivor delivers special message to new Israeli parliament

Earlier this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on the telephone with Benjamin Netanyahu and congratulated him on his re-election as Israeli PM for a sixth time.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction at the rapid progress in the India-Israel Strategic Partnership in recent years and agreed on the potential for further strengthening strategic cooperation in a variety of areas.

PM Modi also invited Netanyahu to visit India at an early date.

On Thursday, Netanyahu tweeted in Hindi, congratulating the PM and Indian citizens on the occasion of Republic Day.

“To my dear friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to the Indian people, I would like to congratulate you and wish you warm greetings on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day of India. I am sure that the close relationship between our countries will continue to grow stronger with each passing year,” he stated in his tweet.

The Prime Minister, in his reply, thanked his Israeli counterpart and said that he is looking forward to further strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Also Read: India and Israel build partnership on drones and futuristic defence technologies