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NY interfaith leaders condemn synagogue attack

NY faith community comes together to denounce the despicable attack on a house of worship

21 November 2014, 9:00 pm Edit

Image from synagogue (photo: Review Journal)

We as religious leaders of different faiths unequivocally condemn the despicable attack this morning by terrorists on worshippers in a Jerusalem synagogue. There can be no justification for this cold-blooded murder of innocents, which tramples on the sacredness of human life. The fact that this crime was perpetrated in a place of prayer, which should always be a venue of peace and love, deepens our anguish.We further protest the use of inflammatory language that contributes to the climate of violence. We must not be silent spectators in the face of such hateful rhetoric.

Our common religious heritage teaches us that every human being is created in the image of God. Let us honor our Creator, by ensuring that religion serves not as a weapon that maims and destroys, but rather as a sacred vehicle that heals and uplifts.

The Prophet Jeremiah proclaimed, “There is hope for thy future.” (31:16) We will witness the fulfillment of these words when we bring hope and healing in the present to the human family.

We offer our prayers and condolences to the grief stricken families of the victims as they mourn such an unspeakable loss of life.

His Eminence, Timothy Cardinal Dolan
Archbishop of New York

Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner
President, New York Board of Rabbis
Spiritual Leader, Temple Emanu-El of Closter, NJ

Imam Shamsi Ali
Chairman, Al-Hikmah Mosque in Astoria
Director, Jamaica Muslim Center in Queens

Reverend A.R. Bernard
President, Council of Churches of the City of New York
President, Christian Cultural Center

Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
Executive Vice President, New York Board of Rabbis

Imam Askia Muhammad
Doctoral Student, New York Theological Seminary

Bishop Robert Alan Rimbo
Metropolitan New York Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Rabbi Lester Bronstein
Chair, Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America
Spiritual Leader, Bet Am Shalom Synagogue

Reverend Chloe Breyer
Executive Director, Interfaith Center of New York

Rabbi Gerald I. Weider
Director, Rabbinic Cabinet of the Jewish Federations of North America

Reverend Robert Stearns
Founder and Executive Director, Eagles Wings