Media Statement
28 October 2018
South Africa sends a message of condolences to the USA following the Pittsburgh synagogue tragedy
On behalf of the Government and the people of South Africa, H.E. President Cyril Ramaposa has sent a message of condolences to the Government and the people of the United States of America (USA) following the shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, 27 October 2018, which left 11 people dead and scores injured.
The South African Government has noted the comments by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence following the shooting, describing the incident as a horrific, anti-Semitic attack.
The attack, which was targeted at the Jewish community, shows extreme levels of intolerance. South Africa condemns in the strongest possible terms the violent attack targeted at the community.
In his address to the Gardens synagogue in Cape Town last month, President Ramaphosa stated that: "We must excise from our society any manifestations of anti-Semitism. We must respond to anti-Semitism with the same resolve as we respond to any act or statement that seeks to demean any faith, race, gender or ethnic group."
The Government and the people of South Africa convey their condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones and wish all the injured a speedy recovery.
Enquiries: Khusela Diko, Presidency Spokesperson – 072 854 5707
Issued by the Presidency
Pretoria
http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/
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