Statement on terrorist attacks in Israel

It is with utmost dismay that we follow reports from Israel, which became the target of a massive terrorist attack last Shabbat, on a High Holy Day (of Simchat Torah). There is no political justification for the crimes committed on 7 October by Hamas fighters who have been killing unarmed civilians, including women and children, in the streets of the Jewish State.

Our thoughts are with our friends and colleagues in Israel. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the people of Israel on the hands of Mr Yacov Livne, Ambassador of the State of Israel in Poland.

We do hope that the situation will be brought under control very soon, and the fighting that has cost the lives of so many Jews and Palestinians will cease. We still believe that reaching an agreement is possible and the land where so much blood has been spilled will finally enjoy peace and happiness.

• Zygmunt Stępiński, Director of POLIN Museum with the team
• Marian Turski, Chairman of the POLIN Museum Council
• Piotr Wiślicki, President of the Association of the Jewish Historical Institute of Poland