A memorial service for the victims of the terrorist attacks on Israel by Hamas was held at a synagogue in Bern on Monday evening. Swiss government minister Albert Rösti attended and offered condolences on behalf of the federal government.
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Министр правительства Швейцарии помянул жертв ХАМАС
In his address, Rösti said, “I am here today to convey to you, as Jews in Switzerland, on behalf of the Federal Council, the deepest sympathy and great condolences of the national government. We share your grief, we share your horror.”
The Federal Council condemned the “barbaric terrorist attacks” in the strongest possible terms and called for the immediate release of all hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, Rösti said. The Federal Council also recognised Israel’s legitimate will for national defense and security, he said.
The government also came to the decision that Hamas must be classified as a terrorist organisation, he said.
“We are completely stunned in view of the people who rejoice in the indescribable brutality, and celebrate it in public,” said Rösti, who strongly condemned the behavior at numerous pro-Palestinian events, including in Europe.
Swiss among casualties
Among the victims of the Hamas attacks is also a Swiss-Israeli dual citizen, Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis confirmed on Friday. SWISS International Airlines flew 880 people to Zurich in four evacuation flights last week. As of last Saturday, some 300 Swiss travelers in Israel were still registered on the federal government’s “Travel Admin” app.
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