A major international Jewish organization sent a condolence letter to Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on Tuesday, expressing sorrow at last week’s deadly stampede near Mecca, The Algeminer has learned.
Writing on behalf of the organization’s affiliated Jewish communities and Jews around the world, World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder and CEO Robert Singer extended their “most sincere and deepest condolences” over the tragedy that killed more than 450 Muslim pilgrims.
“What should have been a moment of spiritual uplift during the Hajj became instead a moment of sorrow, and we join you in mourning for the souls of the hundreds of pilgrims who will not return to their families,” the letter stated.
The WJC leaders said they hope Saudi Arabia “and all of Islam find strength in the memory of those whose lives were cut short, and may we, together, dedicate ourselves to bringing harmony into our world so that we — Muslims, Jews and Christians — may together worship our common God with love and in peace.”
Lauder and Singer concluded their letter by saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your nation.”
