Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg today offered their condolences to the families of the five victims of the attack that occurred this week at a synagogue in Jerusalem. The attackers claimed the lives of four rabbis, one of whom was the father of a Lakewood man, and a police officer. Three of the rabbis were Israeli-American citizens. The Senate will hold a moment of silence for the victims when it next meets on Dec. 1:

Senate President Sweeney:

“On behalf of the Senate, I send my thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims of this senseless attack. I offer my sincere condolences to the Twersky family who are mourning the loss of their loved one. This was an act of terror committed in a place of worship, where the victims should have been able to feel safe and secure. All of New Jersey mourns for the victims of this attack and condemns these acts. In honor and remembrance of the victims of this tragedy, the Senate will hold a moment of silence at its next meeting.”

Majority Leader Weinberg:

“New Jersey and the world were shaken by the brutal attack of four rabbis in Jerusalem. The murder of innocent civilians is appalling. But murdering worshipers as they pray in their sanctuary is beyond human comprehension. We grieve with Israel, and we urge all good people to stand and to speak out against these murderous acts. I want to send my condolences to the families of the victims of this unconscionable act. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto (D-Hudson, Bergen)

“I would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the families of those killed in the attack. These men were ambushed and taken from their families senselessly. The cowardice of the attackers to commit such a heinous crime in a place of worship boggles the mind. My only hope is that these grieving families will be able to find some solace in their faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.”

[TLS]