Jewish organizations in the US united in condemning the murder claimed by the Islamic State terror group of at least 26 Egyptian Christians who were traveling to a monastery south of Cairo.

“These brutal acts are criminal and must be stopped,” said Malcolm Hoenlein, CEO of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.

“The Conference stands in solidarity with the government of Egypt, the Egyptian people and in particular the members of the Coptic community, during this difficult time.”

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) called on regional leaders across the Middle East and North Africa to take “tangible steps” to protect religious minorities.

“This horrific act of hate and violence against Coptic Christians in Egypt is yet another in a long string of shocking terror attacks that the world must not ignore,” said ADL CEO Jonathan A. Greenblatt.

“We stand in solidarity with Egypt’s Coptic Christian community as they cope with this unthinkable attack and continue to be deeply concerned about the persecution of Copts, other Christian communities and religious minorities across the Middle East,” he added.

The American Jewish Committee (AJC) stressed the special responsibility of Arab nations to confront the problem of Islamist violence.

“Victory over the terrorists depends, above all, on what Arab and Muslim nations do to counter and defeat this violent, deadly scourge,” said AJC CEO David Harris. “In that regard, we have confidence that the Egyptian government understands the need and will step up still more its counter-terrorism and other requisite strategies to ensure that Copts, like all Egyptians, can practice their faith without fear.”

World Jewish Congress President Ronald S. Lauder also called on Muslim leaders to speak out on their behalf and work together to curb sectarian violence.

“Jews around the world stand in solidarity with the embattled Coptic community in Egypt as it mourns at this difficult time, and our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families.’’

Lauder noted that it is the third major terrorist attack against Christians in Egypt in recent months.

‘’It is another shocking and devastating reminder of the sectarian violence that has been ripping the Middle East apart. Islamist fanatics and terrorists are leaving an entire region in constant fear, robbing people of their lives or driving them from their homes.’’

“Muslims around the world today are beginning to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan, a time of prayer and charity. I hope that this Ramadan will be a month of peace for Muslims and non-Muslims alike,” Lauder concluded.

EJP