Dec. 1, 2008

United Jewish Communities/the Federations of North America mourn the scores of victims of the horrific terrorist attacks in Mumbai, India this past week, including Jews and Israelis.

Among the nearly 200 victims the terrorists targeted were eight Israelis and Jews. May their memories be a blessing and may their families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.  The terrorists struck 10 sites, including a range of hotels popular with foreigners, and a Chabad outreach center known as the Nariman House in the Colaba district.

In the wake of the attacks, UJC is working closely with our partners, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, the Jewish Agency for Israel, and World ORT, to monitor and assess the situation. 

JDC, whose programs support 4,500 Jews living in India, mobilized immediately following the attacks. JDC staff  have maintained regular contacts with local Jewish leaders to determine the well-being of their communities, have offered assistance to Magen David Adom and other first-responders and agencies tending to victims, and have contacted local hospitals to help locate missing Israelis.

JDC also initiated a meeting of leaders and representatives of the local Jewish community.  JDC will also work with the community on an emergency preparedness program, organized with the Mumbai municipality and the local Israeli Consulate. 

JAFI offered support for the familes of Jews and Israelis murdered in the terror attacks through the Special Fund for the Victims of Terror. Funded by UJC/Federation and Keren Hayesod, the Fund has assisted almost 20,000 individuals, with total support reaching about $20.6 million since its inception in 2002.

Additionally, WORLD ORT discussed concerns that this attack was the first time terrorists have targeted the Indian Jewish community, leaving it with a greater sense of vulnerability. World ORT Director General Robert Singer said tthe attacks were a horrific reminder of how important it was for the Jewish people to show their solidarity.

UJC's President and CEO Howard Rieger echoed that call. "We Jews know all too well how terror can be inflicted upon innocent victims. We also understand that it is only through perseverence, faith and the strength of our global community that we have the possibility of better days ahead. "

Rieger also expressed condolences for the victims on behalf of the UJC/Federation system.

"We grieve with the families of the victims and express our condolences to them. May their loved ones be remembered as a blessing.  May the survivors find comfort in their community. And may we be ever vigilent and pursue our lifesaving work with even more vigor in the days ahead."

Please visit the Jewish Community Response to Terrorist Attacks on Mumbai page on the UJC Web site for updated information.