CAIR Expresses Solidarity with Jewish Community After Deadly San Diego Synagogue Attack

4/27/19

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Philadelphia Chapter, today expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in the San Diego-area and nationwide following a deadly shooting at a synagogue near that city.

Early news reports mention that one person has died and three people are injured in an apparent hate crime at the Congregation Chabad synagogue in Poway, Calif.

SEE: 1 Dead, Suspect Detained Following Synagogue Shooting in Poway

Today is the last day of the Jewish holiday of Passover, known in Jewish tradition as the “Festival of Freedom.”

In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender said:

“We condemn this disturbing and despicable attack on our neighbors at a house of worship, offer our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured, and express our solidarity with the Jewish community during this time of shock and grief. We renew our commitment to work together against this disturbing trend of attacks on houses of worship, which should be sanctuaries for worshipers.”

The Washington-based civil rights organization is urging all houses of worship and faith-based and advocacy organizations to take extra security precautions as outlined in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission.

The booklet may be viewed at https://pa.cair.com/files/CAIR_Mosque_Safety_Guide.pdf

MAS Stands in Solidarity with Our Jewish Community in San Diego

April 27, 2019

The Muslim American Society (MAS) condemns the terrorist attack that targeted a synagogue in San Diego. As worshipers observed the last day of Passover, a 19-year old white male started targeting and shooting members of the synagogue. This person is the same individual who attacked a mosque in Escondido, 9 miles away from the Chabad Synagogue of Poway. One person is dead and three are wounded, including the Rabbi.

“Hate has no place in our society. In an era where we’ve seen an increase in hate crimes, including rising Islamophobia and anti-semitism, we must stand tall together in solidarity.” said Ayman Hammous, Executive Director of MAS,  “these acts of terror in places of worship and against humanity cannot become the norm.”

MAS strongly condemns this white supremacist attack and we call on our leaders to call this out for what it is, an act of terror meant to terrorize a faith community. Places of worship are sacred and human life is sacred. The Muslim community has faced acts of hate numerous times and we stand tall with the Jewish community who also faced similar acts of hate one too many times. “We know that our faith communities are resilient. We will bounce back stronger together,” says Ismahan Abdullahi, National Deputy Director of MAS PACE,  “Hate is scared of love, for it’s the only thing strong enough to keep it at bay. This world can and must do better.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Jewish community in Poway. We offer our sincerest condolences to all the families impacted by this tragedy. We urge all faith communities and centers to be vigilant and take extra precautions. Together, we will stand tall against hate.

ICNA Condemns Synagogue Attack, Deplores Rising Hate

04/27/19

The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) condemns today’s attack on the Chabad-Lubavitch synagogue in Poway near San Diego, Calif., that killed one and injured three.

ICNA stands with the Jewish community against the hate attack made during services on the last day of Passover or Shabbat. Our deepest sympathies and prayers go to the victims and their loved ones.

The gunman, who was arrested by the police, also claimed responsibility for the last month’s fire attack on the nearby Dar-ul-Arqam Mosque, also known as the Islamic Center of Escondido. The suspect stated online “I scorched a mosque in Escondido with gasoline a week after” the attack on Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand that killed 52 worshipers.

It is clear that the growing evil of hatred in our society knows no religion or nationality. ICNA urges all people of faith to realize that only together, we can confront and defeat this menace, and to stand united in calling out every attack on any religious group.

“Hate continues to fuel horrific and cowardly acts of violence across our state, country, and world. It must be called out.” said California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

We must address the insidious hate that plagues not only our country, not only Jews, but the world over and peoples of all faiths — Muslims in New Zealand, Christians in Sri Lanka, Jews in California and that is only but a few of the horrific recent attacks.

MPAC Urges Our Elected Officials to Take Action

@mpac_national

The Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC): We stand with our brothers and sisters in their time of grief as they recover from the horrific shooting at the Congregation Chabad Synagogue earlier today. Once again we see that #TerrorismHasNoReligion and we urge our elected officials to take action.