Official Statement from the Buffalo Jewish Community Relations Council re: terror attack in New Zealand

March 15, 2019

The Buffalo Jewish community is shocked and saddened by the terror attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand today. At least 49 people were murdered and more were injured while attending Friday prayers in two different mosques because they were Muslim. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, those who are injured, and all Muslim communities around the world.

We strongly condemn this attack, which is a barbaric assault on every person who believes in the dignity of human life. Whether because of religion, skin color, ethnicity, etc. we are all human beings.

We stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters – in New Zealand, in Buffalo, and world-wide – in the face of extremist hatred, Islamophobia, and violence. We have reached out to our friends in the local community here in Buffalo to express our support in this time of grief. We know the pain of being attacked in a place of worship and must work to make sure places of prayer are safe. We pledge to continue our efforts as we work to call out and ultimately end intolerance and hate.

Nina Lukin & Ted Steinberg
Buffalo JCRC Co-Chairs

Mara Koven-Gelman
Director, Buffalo JCRC

Click here to download this statement as a PDF.