Las Vegas Jewish group concerned about attack in France

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas on Monday condemned the attack in Toulouse, France, calling it an "act of senseless violence perpetrated against innocent students and a teacher."

Elliot Karp, president and CEO of the organization, said the local Jewish community is shocked and numbed by the news.

"Our hearts, sympathies and prayers go out to the grieving families and Ozar Hatorah school community as well as the Jewish community in Toulouse and France," Karp said. "We urge the French police authorities to thoroughly and completely investigate this heinous act directed against innocents in order to apprehend and prosecute those responsible and to bring them to swift justice."

The Jewish Federation was keeping local Jewish institutions, schools and congregations informed about the attack and maintaining contact with local law enforcement agencies, Karp said.

About 65,000 Jewish people live in the Las Vegas Valley, he said, and there are four Jewish parochial schools.

An attack such as the one in France "right off the bat causes concern for parents and administrators," Karp said. "Everybody is taking the extra precaution to remain alert at this time."