November 19, 2014

Today, the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) condemned the horrific murder of four worshipers, three of whom were rabbis with dual U.S.-Israeli citizenships and a British-Israeli rabbi, at a synagogue in Jerusalem. We send our deepest condolences to the families of the four rabbis who lost their lives and our thoughts are with the six individuals who were wounded as a result of this tragic attack.

SEE: ”Israel: 4 Dead After Men with Knives, Gun Attack Jerusalem Synagogue” (CNN)

We strongly believe that houses of worship should be a sanctuary for all people, not a place of violence as we regretfully witnessed today. Islam commands its followers to protect houses of worship, clearly stating, “Had not God repelled some people by the might of others, the monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which God's praise is celebrated daily, would have been utterly demolished. God will certainly help those who help His cause” (22:40).

“Absolutely nothing can justify this murderous act,” said Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President. “We call for calm between Israeli and Palestinian leadership to end this quickly deteriorating situation. We also call on the U.S. government to demonstrate leadership during this dire situation.”