Words are inadequate to express our sense of horror and anguish at the terrorist attack on unarmed worshippers at prayer – Jummah Prayers – at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand. We are heartbroken for the victims and their families – for at least 49 people dead, and many others injured or traumatized. We stand in solidarity with the city of Christchurch, and with our Muslim friends and colleagues in New York City and around the world.
We decry White supremacist terror encouraged by the overt racism and xenophobia of political strongmen around the world, and we call on tech media giants like Facebook and Twitter – where such atrocities are too often streamed – to take responsibility for their platforms’ ability to amplify hate. This bigoted attack may have occurred on the other side of the world, but we cannot sit idly by when its horror resonates throughout American media and political life. New Yorkers of all backgrounds must stand with their Muslim neighbors – in our diverse neighborhoods, throughout the United States, and throughout the world.
Some American Muslim leaders and their allies have asked non-Muslims to attend today’s Jummah Prayers at their local mosque or stand outside the mosque in solidarity. If you wish to make this powerful neighborly gesture, please contact your local mosque and ask if it would be helpful. A fundraising campaign has already begun to support the Christchurch victims and their families –click here to donate on the LaunchGood platform. One way or another, please do what you can.
The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer
Executive Director
The Interfaith Center of New York
