We are closely monitoring and awaiting further details about the reported shooting at an event for young Jewish professionals at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington DC.

The senseless act of violence has cost at least two Israeli embassy staff their lives. People everywhere will rightly be shaken by the likelihood that this violent act was motivated by hatred of the Jewish people and Israel.

It is a shocking reminder of the hatred which exists in the hearts of some people and the particular security threat which confronts Jewish and Israeli institutions.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the Jewish and Israeli communities in Washington DC and across the United States.