Russia’s chief rabbi calls for ‘united anti-terrorist front’

Russia’s Chief Rabbi Berl Lazar called for setting up a "united anti-terrorist front" following the shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue that left at least 11 people dead on Saturday.

In a statement issued in the wake of the attack, Lazar called on everyone to "leave differences aside and set up a unified anti-terrorist front."

"Our common duty to all those whose lives were taken too early, to those who now mourn their friends and relatives is to do everything to destroy all masterminds, sponsors and perpetrators of terror plots, so that no one dared to spill innocent blood ever again," he said.

"Clearly, the world is becoming less and less safe, and if we all fail to keep the forces of evil at bay, events similar to the Pittsburgh tragedy will inevitably occur again," Lazar added.

According to Russia’s chief rabbi, all religions and religious communities should play a special role in combating terrorism. He also invited all religious leaders "to join forces in order to retaliate against xenophobia, anti-Semitism and the cult of hatred."

According to latest reports, 11 people were killed and six injured as a gunman opened fire at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The attacker was injured in the shootout with the police and taken to hospital. CNN identified the suspect as 46-year-old Robert Bowers. According to CBS sources, the man chanted anti-Semitist slogans before opening fire.

Bob Jones, the FBI special agent in charge of the Pittsburgh field office, said the suspect is believed to have acted alone.