Israel’s Rivlin sends condolences to Turkey’s Erdoğan over ISIL attack in Gaziantep

Israel’s Rivlin sends condolences to Turkey’s Erdoğan over ISIL attack in Gaziantep

ANKARA
Israel’s Rivlin sends condolences to Turkey’s Erdoğan over ISIL attack in Gaziantep

REUTERS photo

Israeli President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin has sent a letter of condolence to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan after the Aug. 20 suicide attack in the southeastern province of Gaziantep left at least 54 people dead.

In his letter dated Aug. 22, Rivlin underlined how the Gaziantep killings showed the importance of “unity in the fight against those who are willing to kill and maim innocent people in order to promote their own goals.”

“We were shocked and saddened to hear of the barbaric bombing attack in Gaziantep that took the lives of so many and injured so very many more innocent people gathered to celebrate a wedding,” said Rivlin in the letter posted from Jerusalem. 

“We stand beside the people of Turkey at this sad time. This event once again proves how vital it is that we all unite in the fight against those who are willing to kill and maim innocent people in order to promote their own goals. We must all cooperate in all ways we can, in order to put a stop to such senseless bloodshed and destruction that has already destroyed the lives of so many,” he added.

“The people of Israel join me in sending our sincere condolences to Your Excellency and to the people of Turkey,” he said. 

“Please convey our sympathy to the bereaved families and our wishes for a speedy recovery to the wounded,” Rivlin’s letter also added.