The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, issued the following statement following the horrific attacks in Paris on Friday evening, November 13, which killed at least 129 people and left more than 350 injured:

“The Orthodox Union watched in horror as the heinous attacks in Paris were carried out on Friday evening, targeting innocent people who were enjoying a concert, a soccer match and dinner at local cafes. These barbaric attacks, carried out by Islamic extremists, were an assault on freedom, on Western civilization and on all of humanity. We mourn the loss of so many innocent lives and pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded. We stand in solidarity with the people of France as they recover and with the government of France as they work to identify and arrest the perpetrators.”