Statement of Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs in Response to the Attacks on the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand

Contact: Lauren Theodore at 212-650-4154

March 15, 2019 – Following the attacks on the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand, Union for Reform Judaism President Rabbi Rick Jacobs issued the following statement:

Yet again the world is shaken by extremist violence against innocent people at prayer, targeted in deadly acts of hatred. Too often we have been sickened that sacred places of worship have become sites of slaughter. A few months ago the massacre happened in a synagogue on a Saturday in Pittsburgh, this time in mosques on a Friday in New Zealand.

The Muslim community is in pain and anguish. They must not grieve alone. We encourage the entire Jewish community, together with all people of conscience, to reach out to their Muslim neighbors in acts of kindness and healing.

As the horrific reality of these attacks comes into clearer view, we mourn the innocent lives lost, and recommit to shaping a world of respect and tolerance, of safety and peace for all of God’s children. No exceptions.

Please also read statements from the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism and the World Union for Progressive Judaism.

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