Joint statement on Gaza bloodshed

President of the Jewish Community and President of the Islamic Council, have jointly responded to the horrific bloodshed in Southern Israel/Gaza.

"We make this statement in a spirit of cooperation and friendship between our communities. We do so for the sake of our friends in both communities and for the sake of the larger society which our respective communities are building together.

The Jewish and Islamic communities have been deeply shocked by the terrible violence that is now taking place in Southern Israel/Gaza.

Together we condemn the attacks, express our sorrow that such senseless and ugly violence was perpetrated in the name of religion, and extend sympathy towards the families of all the victims of these horrendous acts.

In this we do not discriminate between faiths, between Christians, Hindus, Muslims, Jews and others who are being slaughtered. Clearly these attacks are carefully planned, including the locations chosen. We note that the targeted murder and killing of innocent people because of their religion, nationality or background can never be justified.

Our communities join together to pray for a time when people will recognise G-d's sovereignty and the rule of peace, may it come soon."