We Stand as One
Friday, March 15, 2019
Dear Friends,
We woke this morning to the devastating news of nearly 50 Muslim community members murdered while attending Friday services at Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. The innocent victims of this act of hate were targeted for one reason–they were Muslim. As in the horrific attacks against worshippers in Quebec, Charleston and Pittsburgh, the disease of white supremacy is rampant.
The haters represent a threat to us all. We must not let them win. We know that love is stronger than hate and we will #RiseAndResist. The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is heartsick over the loss of precious life. We mourn this tragedy and stand with all Muslims around the world in offering our love and support. The Jewish sisters of the Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom will carry our Muslim sisters and brothers through this dark time. We ask you to each do your part and to #RiseAndResist.
We are all searching for what can be done. Here are a few suggestions:
Muslim Wellness Foundation has created a helpful toolkit for coping with trauma that includes a section on “Coping with Traumatic Events & News.” We encourage anyone who may find it beneficial to have a look, and please share with others who may need it right now.
Rise and Resist-No one should fear for their safety when attending a house of worship. Make it clear at every opportunity that this hateful violence is unacceptable and that you will not tolerate this.
Send your support to families and the greater Muslim community of Christchurch, New Zealand https://action.groundswell-mvmt.org/petitions/send-a-message-of-love-solidarity-to-the-muslim-families-of-christchurch.
We ask our Jewish sisters and brothers to offer to provide security at mosques throughout the country-be part of a safety ring surrounding mosques during times of prayer.
We ask our Jewish sister and brothers to show solidarity by attending Jummah Prayer (Friday early afternoon services) at a mosque in your area. Pray together shoulder to shoulder and show our Muslim sisters and brothers that we are one.
Provide financial support to the families of the victims and donate to an organization such as The New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups. It has launched a crowdfunding campaign to collect funds helping victims of the attacks and their families. The Muslim crowdfunding site LaunchGood has a fund for the families. The money will be distributed by the New Zealand Islamic Information Center. And, The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has set up a fund for the victims you can also donate to. Last year Pittsburgh’s Muslim communities raised hundreds of thousands for Jewish victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting. The Jewish Federation says on its website: “We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community in Christchurch, in Pittsburgh, and around the world.”
Reach out to your governmental representatives and administration to call out hate. It is not enough to offer condolences. We suggest the following wording: “The Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom is calling on our leaders to disavow the attacker and white nationalist violence that took place against the Muslim community in New Zealand. Offering condolences is not enough. We are asking you to speak out against acts of hate. We also demand that our government and agencies prioritize the protection of our community–and all communities–from right wing, white nationalist violence”
Demonstrate acts of solidarity with your Muslim neighbors, co-workers, and others. Just be there.
We ask you to post on our Sisterhood Facebook Group any community vigils that are scheduled. This will be the source we will use to find community-wide opportunities for demonstrating support. Praying for brighter days.
In Solidarity,
Sheryl Olitzky
