25-04-2019 TASWI Statement on Terrorist Attacks on New Zealand Mosques
The Turkish American Society of Wisconsin (TASWI) is absolutely devastated by the tragic and horrific terror attacks in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday, March 15. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and the Christchurch community.
This monstrous attack that targeted innocent Muslims in a place of worship is abhorrent and an affront to all. It is the most recent tragedy in a chain of terror attacks that targeted worshippers in temples (Oak Creek Sikh Temple, August 2012), churches (Charleston Church, June 2015), mosques (Quebec Mosque, January 2017), and synagogues (Tree of Life Synagogue, October 2018) over the past decade and undoubtedly sprung from the same climate of religious hate. This climate of hate and anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim, and anti-Semitic rhetoric has been unfortunately nurtured by the mainstream media, conspiracy theorists, and politicians.
Terror does not choose its victims selectively. We share the same breath, we share the same world, and we share the same humanity. The atrocities like this show our interconnected world is dangerously growing every single day. Splitting people apart, dehumanizing particular individuals or groups, and setting them against one another has definitely consequences. Terror is a single disease that affects all human beings, and humanity need to get together to cure this illness. Terrorism, similar to the other great problems of the world, is another important reason for people to be committed to interfaith cooperation, engagement, and understanding. Jews, Christians, Muslims, and other religious and non-religious people need to learn from each other and discover ways of holding together striving against hate, bigotry, and violent extremism.
Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to the victims and their families, and we also wish a quick recovery for the injured. The Turkish-American Society of Wisconsin stands in solidarity with all Muslim families around the world. We are united in fighting bigotry, hatred, and racism.
Sincerely,
TASWI
