May 15, 2018– I am shocked and deeply saddened by the outbreak of violence on the Gaza border, which resulted in the death of more than 50 and injury of thousands more.

I urge Israel to stop using live ammunition against civilians and to respect the right to peaceful protest. The protection of civilians and children should be ensured to prevent more casualties. This incident only reinforces the need to raise the social consciousness all around the world so that every human life is valued equally and every person is committed to the dignity of all members of the human family.

I extend my deepest condolences to the victims’ families and loved ones, and I pray for the quick recovery of the injured. I pray to God, the Most Compassionate, to lead the world to days of peace and tranquility when people can live with mutual understanding and respect.

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.

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