Today, the leadership of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America – the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, issued the following statement in the wake of yesterday’s shooting at the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin in Oak Creek which killed and wounded several innocent people.

“The leadership of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America expresses our deep sympathy to the community of the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin and our condolences to the families of the innocent people who were killed and wounded.

We also express our grave concern over a place of religious worship being violated by a heinous act of violence. The killing of innocents is terrible anywhere. But targeting a house of worship tears at cherished and fundamental freedoms that are the hallmark of American society.

We join others in praying for the recovery of the wounded and that such a disturbing incident will not darken our communities again.”