A special prayer rally in memory of the victims of the terrorist attacks in Paris was held Sunday evening at the Grand Synagogue of Paris.
The gathering, an initiative of the Chief Rabbi of France and the Vice President of the Conference of European Rabbis, Rabbi Haim Corsia, was approved in advance by French security forces.
“The Jewish community of France, like the rest of the Jewish world, is deeply shocked and appalled over the terrible massacre of civilians of all faiths which happened on Friday night,” said Rabbi Moshe Levin, CEO of the Conference of European Rabbis. "Our hearts are with the bereaved families and we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded."
Rabbi Levin spoke after the attacks with France’s Interior Minister, Bernard Cazeneuve, who promised to strengthen the existing security around Jewish institutions in the country.
“There are still terrorists who roam freely," said Rabbi Levin, who added, "The security forces instructed the residents of Paris is to stay home and leave only in the most urgent cases. This is war."
Rabbi Corsia asked the members of the Jewish community to take part in the three-day mourning period announced by French President Francois Hollande following the deadly attacks.