WJC’S LAUDER URGES DANISH GOVERNMENT TO SECURE JEWISH COMMUNITY, COUNTER RISING ANTI-SEMITIC VIOLENCE

Following the attacks at a synagogue and café in Copenhagen, Denmark on Saturday, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder strongly condemned the incidents and urged the Danish government to find those responsible while stepping up efforts to protect the local Jewish community against rising anti-Semitic violence.

“The World Jewish Congress deplores these despicable attacks, and stands in solidarity with the Jewish community and the people of Denmark,” said Lauder of the shooting at a synagogue in central Copenhagen, in which a civilian was killed and two police officers were injured, and an earlier attack. The synagogue shooting took place shortly after an earlier attack at a Copenhagen café where a Swedish artist who had produce caricatures of the prophet Mohammed was speaking at an event on freedom of speech. One person was killed and three police officers were injured in that attack. It is not yet clear if the two incidents were connected.

“We are confident the Danish government will take all necessary measures to bring those responsible for these attacks to justice, and we urge them to help secure the local Jewish community against anti-Semitic violence,” Lauder said.

“These attacks in Copenhagen follow the similar, brutal targeting of Jews and others in Paris and across Europe,” Lauder added. “European governments should recognize that we are facing a vicious new wave of anti-Semitism and violence. It is crucial that Europe contends with this growing threat.”

World Jewish Congress CEO Robert Singer visited Copenhagen late last year and discussed with Danish authorities the importance of heightening security measures for the local Jewish community.