(New York, NY. 03/15/2019) – In the wake of the horrific mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, Majlis Ash-Shura: Islamic Leadership Council of New York unequivocally condemns this act of terrorism and extends its deepest condolences and prayers to the afflicted families. While this is a time of mourning, it is also a time to reflect on the treatment of Muslims and immigrants that has paved the way for such attacks to increasingly occur all across the Western world.
“This White Supremacist attack is an extension of the ongoing demonization of Muslims and immigrants by right-wing media and racist politicians,” said Executive Director Raja Abdulhaq. “Cultural violence starts with the process of otherization and demonization of minorities, resulting in the justification of direct and structural violence against them.” While Donald Trump’s presidency has escalated Islamophobia to direct violence through emboldening White supremacists all across the globe, Islamophobia has existed prior to his presidential run.
Majlis Ash-Shura: Islamic Leadership Council of New York, an umbrella organization and representative of over 90 mosques and Muslim-led organizations in New York, emphasizes the importance of tackling structural Islamophobia which has been inspiring mass violence against Muslims everywhere. We call on elected officials, media outlets, and local agencies to reject all forms of bigotry and xenophobia against immigrants and minorities, namely African Americans, Muslims, Jews, and Sikhs.
We pray for the patience and protection of the afflicted families in these trying times. We urge all mosques to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and to not allow Islamophobia and White supremacy to scare them from participating in society or practicing their religion.