PRESS RELEASE
3/15/2019
Contact:
Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
513-755-3280
info@icgc.us
ICGC Mourns the Christchurch, New Zealand Mosque Massacre and Calls for Solidarity
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati try to bear the terrible news from New Zealand regarding the terrorist attack against two Muslim congregations in Christchurch and the deaths of dozens.
We mourn those who have lost their lives or have been injured while fulfilling their religious obligations. We send our prayers and wishes of comfort for the victims and their families.
We stand with the Christchurch Muslim community and our Kiwi friends in their time of mourning and pledge our support. We encourage people worldwide to provide donations and support to the families of victims as soon as that information becomes available.
This type of violence and the hate which motivates it is unacceptable in any country and people worldwide have a responsibility to stand up and say no. No one should fear for their safety when attending their house of worship or when raising awareness about an issue.
We continue to work with law enforcement to provide a safe environment for our community.
This tragedy occurred on Friday afternoon when the mosque would have been filled with people who gathered for Friday prayers, just as the Pittsburgh killer attacked Jews at their synagogue, and the Charleston killer attacked an African American Church. These types of attacks are driven by racial, religious, and ethnic hatred and every elected official has a responsibility to denounce them in the strongest possible terms.
In the wake of this terrible attack we call upon our regional and national elected officials to commit themselves to opposing hate speech and hate violence in every form, but we equally call on citizens to demonstrate acts of solidarity with their Muslim neighbors, co-workers, and others.
This type of violence is a direct result of politicians exploiting social division and sowing fear. Whether it’s separating families through the Muslim Ban, taking children away from their families at America’s border, or dehumanizing refugees in Europe, politicians who drive these messages encourage the worst from humanity. Elected officials have the opportunity and the platform to bring people together and affirm our human solidarity.
We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support and desire to stand together from our friends and alliances during this difficult time. We pray for peace during these dark days.