BICOM

Israel’s leaders said last night that they stand with America in light of the terror shooting at a gay club in Orlando, Florida which killed at least 50 people.

The attack, which also injured at least 53 people, took place at the popular Pulse nightclub. Omar Mateen, a resident from a nearby town, opened fire at around 2am local time using multiple firearms. It is reported that Mateen claimed allegiance to ISIS while making an emergency call in advance of the attack, and ISIS later said that he was one of their fighters. The attack is the most deadly mass shooting in US history.

Shortly after the shooting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement that said: “On behalf of Israelis and the government of Israel, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the American people in the wake of the heinous attack on the LGBT community in Orlando last night.”

He added: “Israel stands shoulder to shoulder alongside the US in this tragic moment of loss.”

President Reuven Rivlin added his condolences, saying: “Once again we feel the pain of terrible loss as we see the blood spilled of young and innocent people. There is no comfort for those who have had their loved ones torn away from them.”

He further added “this attack against the LGBT community in Orlando, is as cowardly as it is abhorrent” and that Israel would stand with America “in the moral and just fight against all forms of violence and hatred”. Opposition leader and Zionist Union head Isaac Herzog said via social media that Israel stands in solidarity with “victims of darkness and hatred”.

Last night the Tel Aviv Municipality building was illuminated in the rainbow flag of the LGBT community, the United States’ flag and the Israeli flag, “in solidarity with the city of Orlando” according to the Municipality. Meanwhile, in Jerusalem’s Zion Square a crowd gathered holding signs and flags in support of the victims.