Fethullah Gülen’s Message of Condemnation and Condolences for Attack at Chabad of Poway Synagogue in California
April 29, 2019 – I was deeply saddened by the deadly attack on Chabad of Poway Synagogue in California which resulted in the death of a woman and wounding of 3 other people. I vehemently condemn this horrific attack which adds on to a series of attacks to places of worship in the recent months.
The fact that the shooter stated he was inspired by the latest attack on the mosque in New Zealand and that he claimed responsibility for an attack against a mosque in the area is alarming. It is distressing to see an increase in hate-driven attacks at places of worship directed against innocent worshippers. These attacks should be a warning to us so that we, as a family of humanity, stand firm against hatred including Anti-Semitism, or hatred against Muslims, Christians or other religious groups, and against hate-driven attacks. The best way to achieve this is to promote mutual respect by bringing together people of different backgrounds.
I send my deepest condolences to the family and friends of those who lost their lives and to those who had to witness such a horrific incident during their worship. I pray for the quick recovery of the wounded. I pray to God, the Most Compassionate, that he instills in every human sentiments of brotherhood of humanity and he brings forth a peaceful society consisting of individuals who live with these sentiments.
About Fethullah Gülen
Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades-long commitment to education, interfaith dialogue and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium.
About Alliance for Shared Values
The Alliance for Shared Values (AfSV) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that serves as a voice for cultural organizations affiliated with Hizmet, a civil society movement inspired by prominent preacher and peace advocate Fethullah Gülen. The Alliance strives to promote peace and social harmony by helping reduce misinformation and false stereotypes about any or all ethnic, cultural and religious communities. To learn more about the Alliance, please visit www.afsv.org.
Media contact
Email: media@afsv.org Phone: 212-682-4278