(PHILADELPHIA, PA, 4/27/19) – The Philadelphia Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today expressed solidarity with the Jewish community in the San Diego-area and nationwide following a deadly shooting at a synagogue near that city.
Early news reports mention that one person has died and three people are injured in an apparent hate crime at the Congregation Chabad synagogue in Poway, Calif.
SEE: 1 Dead, Suspect Detained Following Synagogue Shooting in Poway
Today is the last day of the Jewish holiday of Passover, known in Jewish tradition as the “Festival of Freedom.”
In a statement, CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender said:
“We condemn this disturbing and despicable attack on our neighbors at a house of worship, offer our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those killed or injured, and express our solidarity with the Jewish community during this time of shock and grief. We renew our commitment to work together against this disturbing trend of attacks on houses of worship, which should be sanctuaries for worshippers.”
The Washington-based civil rights organization is urging all houses of worship and faith-based and advocacy organizations to take extra security precautions as outlined in its “Best Practices for Mosque and Community Safety” booklet. The advice in CAIR’s security publication is applicable to all institutions, regardless of organizational mission.
The booklet may be viewed at https://pa.cair.com/files/CAIR_Mosque_Safety_Guide.pdf
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Philadelphia Executive Director Jacob Bender, 917-660-3805 (mobile), jbender@cair.com
