Western civilization stands on two legs. One is in Athens and the other in Jerusalem. The values that we cherish today rest on these two pillars. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world.”
We recognize that the recent terrorist atrocities are first and foremost an assault on the Israeli people and Jews around the world. Our hearts break for them. They are our brothers and our sisters.
We also understand that these are attacks on the universal values of all decent people. The Declaration states that “disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind.” The assaults against Israel are barbarous beyond words. We are outraged.
We unequivocally condemn these crimes. We reaffirm to all our Jewish brothers, sisters, and friends that they are continually in our hearts. We grieve for the victims, the hostages, and their families. Every day they are in our prayers. We also pray for peace and the dignity of all.
* https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights