PM to meet with ministers to address the rise of anti-Semitism and recent attack; Gunman in custody after shooting at synagogue outside of San Diego, killing 1 and injuring 4; Netanyahu: this is an attack on the heart of the Jewish people.
Prime Minister Netanyahu will hold a special discussion with cabinet ministers this week to address the shooting at a California synagogue over the weekend and the rise of global anti-Semitism. A 19-year old hitman opened fired at the Chabad of Poway outside of San Diego while worshippers gathered for the last day of Passover.
The assailant killed Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, and injured three others including the synagogue’s rabbi who lost two fingers. The youngest victim was Noya Dahan, an eight-year-old. Dahan’s family are Israeli immigrants to the United States and had lived under constant fire from the Gaza Strip on their Sderot home. Mr. Dahan reported to Israeli media on Sunday morning that this was the second hate crime on his family since living in the United States. A few years ago, swastikas were drawn on his car and home also during Passover.
Addressing the latest terror attack on Jews, Prime Minister Netanyahu called on the international community to “step up” against anti-Semitism. He stated on Saturday, “I condemn the abhorrent attack on a synagogue in California; this is an attack on the heart of the Jewish people. We send condolences to the family of Lori Gilbert-Kaye and our best wishes for a quick recovery to the wounded. The international community must step up the struggle against anti-Semitism.” The office of the prime minister confirmed a meeting with Israeli lawmakers, reporting “In light of the upsurge in anti-Semitic attacks around the world, Prime Minister Netanyahu will, this week, convene a special discussion of all elements dealing with the issue.”
The gunman, John Earnest, is currently in custody and recently made an online manifesto on social media claiming he would set a mosque on fire. Investigators believe Earnest found the synagogue’s Sabbath event posted online and chose to target the synagogue a half hour following the beginning of morning services.
Photo: Hadrian/Shutterstock.com
