“In difficult times like this we must put our differences aside and stand together. We are united in our thoughts and prayers for a fast recovery for Lebanon.” said World Jewish Congress President Ronald S.Lauder.

Jewish advocacy groups have expressed sympathy with the victims of the deadly explosions that killed more than 130 people and wounded thousands.

Alongside a photo of Beirut captioned with the message, “Stay strong, people of Lebanon,” the World Jewish Congress (WJC) tweeted its condolences.

WJC President Ronald S. Lauder said, “The World Jewish Congress is deeply saddened by the deaths and injuries caused by the horrific explosions in Beirut, Lebanon. We express our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of Lebanon. In these terrible times, we are all united in mourning each loss from this terrible tragedy. We are wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.”

In a letter to Lebanese President Michel Aoun, Lauder shared: “I am writing to convey my deepest condolences and full solidarity with the people of Lebanon affected by the tragic explosion in Beirut yesterday. We are deeply saddened by the deaths and injuries and mourn with you the enormous loss of life and property. We wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

“In difficult times like this we must put our differences aside and stand together. We are united in our thoughts and prayers for a fast recovery for Lebanon.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews mourned the “terrible news from Beirut last night.”

“Our thoughts are with those tragically killed or injured, their families, and all the people of Lebanon,” the group said in a tweet.

But even amidst the outpouring of sympathy, some Jewish groups found themselves defending Israel — Lebanon’s neighbor to the south — from negative and underhanded comments, noted The Algemeiner.

“‘Even Israel,’ Carl Bildt?” asked the American Jewish Committee (AJC), after Bildt — a former Swedish prime minister and leading European Union negotiator — noted on Twitter that “the only encouraging thing about this catastrophe in Lebanon is that even Israel has been quick in offering humanitarian aid.”

Responded the AJC: “Need we remind you that it is Lebanon that rejects Israel’s very existence, not the other way around? An apology is in order.”