Following reports of terrorist attacks in Norway, B’nai B’rith International has issued the following statement:

 B’nai B’rith International condemns in the strongest terms possible the terrorist attacks perpetrated against the citizens of Norway. The first attack occurred at 3:30 local time on July 22, when a vehicle bomb exploded outside of the office of Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, killing seven people and leaving an unknown number injured.

A second attack occurred on the island of Utoeya less than an hour later, when an unidentified man dressed as a police officer opened fire at a youth camp, which was set to host the prime minister on July 23. Reports indicate that between 25-30 people were killed.

The New York Times reported that Ansar al-Jihad al-Alami (the Helpers of the Global Jihad), a group that says it is connected to al-Qaeda, has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

This reminds us that terror can strike anywhere, and there is a need for those in the international community who are repulsed by these acts to redouble their efforts to combat the threat.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.