Letter from Ronald Lauder, World Jewish Congress President, on the occasion of January 9 rememberance ceremony

"The threat remains real for both Jews than non-Jews"

Dear Roger,

On behalf of the World Jewish Congress, I want to acknowledge the Jewish community in France for the admirable strength she has shown over the past year.

Today we mourn the four innocents murdered in the Hyper Kosher just a year ago. Their only crime? As often through the ages : to be born Jews. It goes without saying that our thoughts go also to the 13 other French citizens brutally slaughtered during that dark week.

France has become the site of a terrible war waged by Islamists. Two months ago in Paris, one hundred and thirty people were killed in cold blood while they were conducting a life of freedom in a democratic society.

Following the terrible attacks of last January, heads of state from around the world have joined millions of French citizens to parade in the streets, express their solidarity and denounce terrorism with the utmost firmness. The World Jewish Congress was present, united to French people.

Both in the streets of Paris and during our joint meeting with President Francois Hollande that week, I was moved by your courage, your determination and management of the situation.

President Hollande and Prime minister Manuel Valls expressed their will very clearly, and initiatives have been taken to improve the security of Jewish sites in France. We thank them sincerely.

However, the threat remains real for both Jews than non-Jews. We are witnessing new daily terrorist attacks in other countries and Jews continue to be the main targets of these attacks : in Israel, Europe, the USA and in many other places.

We will have to face the future with courage and obstinacy. Be strong my friends, and together - I give you my word - we, the Jewish people and all freedom-loving peoples, we will win.

Am Yisrael Chai.

To you, dear Roger, with all my esteem and deep respect.

Ronald S. Lauder