MOSCOW, September 2 (RIA Novosti) - Chief Rabbi of Russia Berl Lazar has urged all believers "to go to Shabbat services at a synagogue and add their voice to those who ask God to defend innocent people, to help the victims, and to console the families of terrorism victims," according to a statement released Friday.
Lazar will lead a commemoration service at the Maryina Roshcha synagogue in Moscow Saturday.
The rabbi called on the Russian people to reject all forms of terrorism and extremism and to confront "the atrocious terrorists" in "solidarity, mutual assistance, and humanity."
He said the victims of terrorism would always have close friends in the Jewish community "ready to help and support them at the time of hardship."
The Beslan hostage tragedy officially claimed the lives of 330 people, including 186 children. Terrorists held parents, pupils, and staff hostage for three days in a local school before troops stormed the building. In all, 918 people were rescued.
