The Australian Council of Christians and Jews expresses its horror at the murderous attack on worshippers at the Chabad at Poway Synagogue in San Diego.
Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the woman who was killed and those who were wounded in this latest senseless and vicious attack.
We strongly condemn this violent act and the climate of whispered permission which authoritarian governments and politicians have given to such acts of antisemitism and attacks on religious ‘others’.
No political position should give shelter to antisemitism and racism of any kind.
The International Council of Christians and Jews has recently condemned the widespread growth of antisemitism, intolerance, racism, xenophobia and Islamophobia.
It has described antisemitism as a warning sign of societal breakdown.
The times call upon us all – as individuals, organisations, and societies – to redouble our opposition to all forms of bigotry and racism.
We remember Pastor Martin Niemöller’s grim warning:
First they came for the communists and I did not speak out— because I was not a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out — because I was not a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. We believe a firm stand should be taken against racism and sectarian violence wherever and whenever it appears.
Media Contacts:
Rev Dr Michael Trainor 0402 452 051
Dr Ron Hoenig 0419 183 214
Dr Philip Bliss 0408 835 862
29 April 2019