The Islamic Council of New England grieves with the families of all the victims of mass
shootings in the last few days. The Islamic Council condemns, particularly, the violence
specifically targeting Jewish celebrants of the first day of the holy season of Hanukkah
at Bondi Beach in Australia.
Antisemitism in any form, anywhere, is an anathema to all those who believe in the
words of the Quran which honors the people of the holy books, the Torah and the
Zabour (Pslams of David) and Injil (New Testament). No justification is acceptable in
targeting innocent people of any faith.
We applaud the heroic and courageous efforts of one of the bystanders, Ahmed Al
Ahmed, who himself was wounded while disarming one of the attackers. His actions
are recognized by Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia, as saving
countless lives.
The Islamic Council equally expresses its condolences to the families and its concern
for the students who were shot at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, while
taking their final exams. Students in every institution should feel safe inside their
classrooms. A place of learning, at every level and any age, is a refuge from daily
worldly chores and cares for the express purpose of gaining knowledge.
Sadly, at this time, we call on all institutions to take extra precautions and install safety
measures to protect the innocent from those who wish to do harm. We condemn in the
strongest terms anyone who imagines they have a right to take an innocent life, which is
antithetical to the teachings of Islam.
We pray for tolerance and compassion. We pray for Allah’s Mercy for all those who are
harmed and we pray for Allah’s Protection from ignorance and evil.