Statement

2019

IHRA Chair’s Statement on Attack on Synagogue in Halle

IHRA Chair Ambassador Georges Santer expresses deep concern over increasing incidents of antisemitic and hate crimes, including the recent shootings in a synagogue in Halle, Germany.

“As the Chair of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, it was with deep shock that I learned of the attempt by an armed gunman to enter a synagogue in Halle, Germany, and the subsequent deadly shootings nearby on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year for the Jewish community. In the name of all 33 Member Countries of the IHRA, I express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those murdered in the attack. Our thoughts are also with those wounded and we wish for their quick recovery.

Over the last years we have witnessed an increase in right-wing extremism. We fully support the German government at this time and share the sentiment expressed by Horst Seehofer, Minister of the Interior, that the incident represents an abhorrent attack on peaceful coexistence. We are not just calling on political, social and religious leaders to counter hate crimes and acts of violence and incitement, but urge all members of society to stand together in order to ensure that we can all live in security and peace and ultimately stop the rise of antisemitism.”

IHRA Chair
Ambassador Georges Santer