World Jewish Congress (WJC) President Ronald S. Lauder expressed concern that a rising tide of Palestinian terror is under way, after a day of violence saw at least three suspected terrorist attacks against Israeli Jews, following more than a week of altercations in Jerusalem and other areas.

“We strongly condemn any attack on civilians and urge the Palestinian leadership to do the same. We call on the Palestinian Authority and President Mahmoud Abbas to do everything in their power to rein in these extremists who are bent on wreaking havoc on the peace process. We must do all we can to ensure the restoration of calm and safety for civilians,” Lauder said.

“Each and every one of us has a responsibility to stop the vicious cycle which has brought so much pain and suffering to the people of the region over the last decades,” Lauder added. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Israel.”

Lauder called on the international community, particularly the Arab states, to intercede with the Palestinian leadership to ensure the cessation of violence and to work toward a diplomatic solution.