B’nai B’rith has released the following statement:

B’nai B’rith decries the horrific attacks against Christian and Muslim worshippers recently in Iraq and Pakistan.

In Iraq, attackers targeted Iraqis attending Mass at Our Lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad on Oct. 31, killing 58 and wounding 78 worshippers.

The attack, perpetrated by a group linked to al Qaeda, involved gunmen taking churchgoers hostage, using suicide vests, grenades, and car bombs before and during the hostage situation, leaving a devastating scene of death and destruction within the church and the surrounding neighborhood.

In Pakistan, the Taliban killed 64 Muslims praying at two different mosques on Nov. 5.

Violence against any religious denomination is intolerable and B’nai B’rith is grieved at the destruction and needless loss of life wrought by these vicious extremists.

B’nai B’rith urges the strictest vigilance against the activities of these terrorist groups and the ideology of hate shared by extremists.