At the conclusion of Ramadan, The Interfaith Center of New York abhors the killing of four Marines yesterday at two military facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We offer our condolences to the family members and our hopes for healing for the wounded.
For those in the New York area, we commend the Day of Seva (selfless community service), organized by the The Sikh Coalition in honor to all lives lost to hate.
While the shooting suspect was identified as Muhammad Youssef Abdulazeez, we call for the exercise of restraint. Innocent Muslims around the country should not be victimized for a deplorable act committed by a violent extremist.
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ICNY would like to share a statement and contact information from the Department of Homeland Security’s Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties:
We understand the concerns related to community safety and the misguided anger some are exhibiting on social media against entire communities. We understand that it is a sensitive time with the observance of Eid Al-Fitr taking place with many public services and celebrations across the country. We would like to invite you to share any concerns and information you may have, especially those related to the intersection of homeland security and civil rights and civil liberties…Please remember, should you feel that your immediate safety or that of your local community is in jeopardy, always call local police first to request assistance.
Should you have questions or need to follow up please contact CRCL’s Community Engagement Section at CommunityEngagement@hq.dhs.gov.
