Posted on 2019-04-28
We are heartbroken to learn of the shooting at the Chabad of Poway near San Diego, California. Particularly distressing is that it occurred on the last day of Passover and on the six month anniversary of the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
We are angered that persons who gather for worship have been violently attacked in New Zealand, Shir Lanka and again in the United States. Instead of being able to offer prayers and praise worshippers must now must fear for their lives in their sacred spaces.
We are outraged that in the United States, which enshrines “freedom of worship” in its constitution, houses of worship must undergo training in order to prepare for possible attacks during worship and must raise funds to provide increased security for their sanctuaries.
Some may express fatigue at having to continually offer condolences and prepare statements in recent days. This must not be allowed. In the face of evil we must never remain silent. Acts of hate must never be permitted to separate us from one another. Together, we can bring light to these dark time and safety to those who are are unjustly targeted for their religion.
Dr. G. Stanford Bratton
Executive Director/CEO
Network of Religious Communities