The Jewish Welfare Board Singapore, in a Facebook post, said it mourned the loss of Rabbi Eli (Eliezer) Schlanger of Chabad Bondi. He was killed while leading the Hanukkah celebration that day.
“Rabbi Eli lived a life of dedication, kindness, and service to others. He supported our community on many occasions and was always present with warmth, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility,” it wrote.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family and to the many lives he touched.”
It added that “violence and hatred have no place in our shared future”, and that the board remains committed to working alongside partners of all faiths to uphold understanding, compassion and unity.
The National Council of Churches of Singapore said the shooting was a grave violation of the sanctity of human life and went contrary to Christian teachings to love our neighbours as ourselves.
The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) said there is no place for violence targeted at civilians and innocent people anywhere, let alone at religious events or places of worship. Muis added that the attack was a reminder to reject all forms of violence and hatred, and to root out extremism and radicalisation.
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore said it was grieved by the shooting, adding that it condemns all acts of violence that target human life.
“We honour the lost by reaffirming our desire for common dignity and to build a just world where every person, in every community, can live freely in peace, and not in the shadow of senseless brutality,” said the archdiocese in a statement on Dec 15.
“This can only be achieved if our societies are committed to removing injustices through sincere dialogue.”
The Singapore Buddhist Federation said the “cold-blooded carnage” revealed the attackers’ evil intention of creating hatred and fear among communities of different faiths, adding that the attack was a reminder of how difficult it is to maintain racial and religious harmony.
The Hindu Endowments Board and Hindu Advisory Board said it was particularly heart-rending that innocent lives were taken during a festival dedicated to light and faith. The boards also shared prayers for families who lost loved ones to be given resilience to return to normality soon.
The Sikh Advisory Board said the shootings were a reminder that discriminatory behaviour, hatred and prejudice have no place in societies and that these sentiments must never be tolerated. It added that mutual respect, harmony and unity across faiths are values that Singapore holds dearly.
The Singapore Taoist Federation said the act was one of senseless hatred incited by distorted ideologies and conspiracy theories intended to divide society, but which offered a painful lesson for everyone to avoid falling into these traps of hate.