The EAJC extends its condolences on the assassination of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe

Photo: CSIS | Center for Strategic & International Studies

The leadership of the Euro-Asian Jewish Congress expresses its profound condolences to the people and government of Japan following the brutal assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The statesman was 67. Abe was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history, holding office from 2012 to 2020, as well as during a brief term from 2006 to 2007. The leader of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan was shot and killed on Friday, July 8, while giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara. This brutal and senseless assassination has deeply shocked the global Jewish community and the world at large.

“Mr. Abe elevated the bilateral state relations between Israel and Japan to unprecedented heights. He possessed a deep and genuine respect for our nation and our people. The memory of Prime Minister Abe’s historic visit to Israel in 2018 remains vivid in our minds; it truly marked the beginning of a new chapter in the relations between our nations. This heinous crime cannot erase the monumental legacy of such an outstanding political figure and statesman.

Shinzo Abe will forever be remembered in our hearts as a distinguished leader and a wise colleague. We stand in prayer alongside the people of Japan during these dark times,” stated the President of the EAJC, Dr. Mikhail Mirilashvili, in a personal message addressed to the Ambassador of Japan to Israel.