WASHINGTON (JTA) — Two Conservative movement umbrella groups said they were "saddened and outraged" by the murders of two Israelis at a Tel Aviv gay center.
The victims in the shooting last Saturday evening may have been targeted because of their sexual orientation. Ten others were injured.
"This cowardly act of terrorism took place against innocent victims in a place of acceptance and support," said the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism and the Rabbinical Assembly — the congregational and rabbinical arms of the movement.
"Israel is a model of forward-thinking society where the overwhelming majority of citizens support equal rights for all. Unfortunately, some voices in that society seek to incite violence against the gay and lesbian community; they should be held to account."
Police have not yet idenitifed the motive for the attack, but speculation has centered around it being a hate crime.
