JCRC Statement on the Shooting at Masjid E Noor
Thursday, May 28, 2020
The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council was deeply saddened to learn about the apparent targeted shooting of Masjid E Noor (mosque) that took place on Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the holiest days in the Muslim calendar. We stand in solidarity with members of the Masjid E Noor congregation and the entire greater Indianapolis Muslim community.
While results of the investigation are pending, the Jewish community condemns this shooting, whichdid not simply damage a building, but terrorized an entire community. We join the Muslim community in urging local authorities to fully investigate the incident as a potential hate crime against the mosque and those present and praying inside.
Unfortunately, senseless and despicable acts of violence have become all too familiar. Members of both the Jewish and Muslim communities – and indeed the breadth of Indiana’s multi-faith community – are the first to stand in support of each other in times like this, which only serves to strengthen our bond and commitment to each other.
Our country, founded by those fleeing religious persecution, is rooted in principles of religious freedom. Respect for the diversity of religions is at the very core of our national identity, is vital for our democracy to thrive, and is among our most cherished values as Americans and as Jews. The Muslim community, like all religious communities in the United States, has the right to worship freely, in safety, and without fear.
The Jewish community will continue to build bridges of respect, support, and understanding with the Muslim community. By standing together and publicly declaring that violence targeting religious communities has no place in our society, we can create a more peaceful, just, and harmonious community.
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For all media inquiries: Aaron Welcher
JCRC Communications Coordinator
317.376.0468
Since 1942, the JCRC has been the public affairs, interfaith, intergroup, and media relations arm of the organized Jewish community. We build consensus on public affairs issues, and advocate on behalf of the Indiana Jewish community by building relationships and partnerships with civic leaders, public officials, and other faith & ethnic communities. JCRC proactively combats antisemitism and acts in coalition with groups that fight discrimination and advocate for human & civil rights and social & economic justice. JCRC is the Jewish community’s Israel advocacy organization. JCRC is a Constituent Agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis and founding member of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. JCRC is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that does not endorse or oppose candidates for political office.
