Jerusalem Synagogue Bombing We are horrified by the killings at the synagogue in Jerusalem. We hold those who have been killed and injured and their families and friends ‘in the light.” Sadly, we are not surprised that another such tragedy has occurred. This blood feud whether engaged in by lone individuals or by state or non-state entities leads all on the path of death, hopelessness and fear. We share with FNVW members for reflection the thoughts of Imam Shamsi Ali, the Council of Religious Institutions of the Holy Land and an article by Gershon Baskin. ------------------------------------------------------- On Jerusalem Synagogue Attack by Imam Shamsi Ali While I and my friend, Rabbi Marc Schneier are touring Asia (Indonesia and Singapore) to promote peace and reconciliation between Jews and Muslims, we are horrified and saddened by the killing of four Rabbis in a Jerusalem Synagogue and the wounding of many earlier today. Regardless of the political circumstances that inflame people’s passion, attack on any house of worship and murdering worshippers is strictly forbidden and condemned in Islam. God says in the Qur’an: “And do not slay the soul [whose life] God has made inviolable, except with due cause …” [17: 33]. And “on that account We ordained for the Children of Isra`il that if any one slew a person – unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land – it would be as if he slew the whole humanity: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the whole humanity.” [5:32] Further, “And do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just. Be just; that is nearer to righteousness.”[5:8] Therefore, I condemn this heinous crime and evil act by such individuals and urge all Muslim leaders to do so. This tragic event reminds us our paramount important and urgent responsibility to work further in building friendship and partnership, in particular with our Jewish friends in the world. I understand that there is deep turmoil and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians, and that pain and anguish runs deep and has been festering for generations. I call on justice to be observed, but I also call on both sides to practice restraint and wisdom by resisting the urge to retaliate and ignite an endless cycle of violence. I pray that the horrific actions of a few do not condemn the many on both sides to anxiety, fear, heartache and pain. We also call upon the leaders of both sides to negotiate a lasting and just peace once and for all. May God send consolation to the mourners and a full and speedy recovery to those who are injured and suffering. Amen! Singapore City, 19 November 2014 Brotherly, Imam Shamsi Ali President, Nusantara Foundation Spiritual Leader, Jamaica Muslim Center ------------------------------------------------------- Religious Leaders Express Shock and Horror - A Religious War will be Disastrous for All Jerusalem, 18 November The Council of the Religious Institutions of the Holy Land (embracing the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, the PA Sharia Courts, and the local Patriarchates and Bishoprics) express their shock and horror over the horrendous murders and wounding of worshippers at prayer in the synagogue in Har Nof, Jerusalem. Such murderous deeds especially in a house of worship are the ultimate abuse of religion. We call on all religious political and civic leaders to do their utmost to prevent the local political conflict from being turned into a religious war the consequences of which will be disastrous for all. In the name of the Chief Rabbinate of Israel, The Heads of the Local Churches of the Holy Land and the Courts of Sharia Law in the Palestinian Authority. View the statement from the Council of the Religious Institutions of the Holy Land at this webpage.crihl.org/content/%D7%9E%D7%A0%D7%94%D7%99%D7%92%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%93%D7%AA%D7%99%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%9E%D7%91%D7%99%D7%A2%D7%99%D7%9D-%D7%96%D7%A2%D7%96%D7%95%D7%A2-%D7%A2%D7%9E%D7%95%D7%A7-religious-leaders-express-shock-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B2%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%88%D9%86-%D9%8A%D8%B9%D8%A8%D8%B1%D9%88%D9%86-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%B3 ------------------------------------------------------- Encountering peace: Unlike religious wars, political wars have solutions There are no acceptable excuses for violence and terrorism. Killing is killing and only leads to more killing. Violence continues in Jerusalem and unfortunately will probably get worse before it gets better. Tuesday’s terror attack in a Jerusalem synagogue steps up hatred, incitement, the sense of hopelessness and fear. Israelis and Palestinians are living in fear in Jerusalem, with good reason. Israeli and Palestinian leaders – political and religious – must not add fuel to the flames. Instead they must call for calm and an end to the violence. Peace groups in Israel and Palestine – such as the Palestinian Israeli Peace NGO Forum, of which I am a member of the steering committee, and other groups such as the Council of Religious Leaders of the Holy Land must call for gatherings of Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem to demonstrate civil society support for peace in Jerusalem – two capitals in Jerusalem for two states. The Council published a very good statement denouncing the attack. I am willing to stand as a guard in Palestinian neighborhoods in east Jerusalem to protect kindergartens and mosques there against potential vigilante violence. I call for Palestinians from east Jerusalem to stand as guards in front of Jewish kindergartens and synagogues in west Jerusalem. To read more, go to this Jerusalem Post article. jpost/Opinion/Encountering-peace-Unlike-religious-wars-political-wars-have-solutions-382299
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 20:49:47 +0000
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