—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
NEW YORK, NY (April 27, 2019) – 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.
