MPAC Mourns Deaths of Mumbai Hostages
November 28, 2008
As the tragic events continue to unfold in Mumbai, India, the Muslim Public Affairs Council today shared its sadness over the deaths of so many, including five hostages killed at a Chabad hospitality center. New York-based Rabbi Gavriel Holtzberg, and his wife Rivka, were among those taken hostage and killed at the Chabad-Lubavitch hospitality center which served as an outreach center for travelers of the Jewish faith.
SEE: "5 Hostages Die as Mumbai Siege Persists" (New York Times, 11/28/08)
"We mourn all those who have lost their lives equally today," said Dr. Maher Hathout, MPAC Senior Advisor. "The Quran specifically indicates the protection of religious institutions and leaders as a cornerstone of human rights and freedom of worship. Killing a rabbi is a direct violation of this Quranic teaching.”
MPAC expresses its condolences to the Jewish community and the various other communities whose members were involved in the tragic series of terrorist attacks in recent days. MPAC has sent letters of condolences to the Indian embassy, and encourages people of all faiths and nationalities to stand together against those who seek to divide our communities.
Media reports indicate that more than 150 people have been killed in the attacks. Those responsible for these brutal and immoral attacks should be swiftly brought to justice. Islam considers the use of terrorism to be unacceptable for any purpose.
