STATEMENT OF THE ISLAMIC SOCIETY OF SHEBOYGAN AND THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY REGARDING THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW ZEALAND

March 15, 2019

The Muslim community is deeply saddened by the horrific terrorist attack on two mosques in New Zealand by a right wing white supremacist. The cowardly attack, which targeted innocent unarmed worshipers gathered for a regular Friday prayer service, resulted in the deaths of 49 individuals - including children and elderly - and the injury of 50 more, some critically. The level of hatred and brutality exhibited by the terrorist is difficult to fathom. Using a head cam, the terrorist live-streamed his despicable actions as he gunned down worshipers in cold blood, many at point blank range.
We mourn the dead and we pray for them and for their families. We also express our condolences to the entire community and people of New Zealand.
The attack in New Zealand against Muslims is, sadly, part of a trend by right wing extremists, in our country and around the world. The FBI has labeled right wing extremists in the U.S. as being the most significant threat facing our country.
The attack in New Zealand is reminiscent of the 2011 massacre by Anders Breivik in Norway, in which 70 young students were gunned down. Both attackers expressed extreme anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant views. The attack in New Zealand is no different from the attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Dylan Roof attack against innocent churchgoers in Charleston, South Carolina, and other attacks against immigrants, African Americans, Hispanics and others.
The increase of these types of terrorist attacks is not surprising. The anti-Muslim statements expressed by certain segments in our society, including right wing radio and television hosts as well as some of our elected political leaders, including our president, has emboldened and empowered those with extremist views. In his hate filled manifesto, the New Zealand shooter expressed his view that "Trump is a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose". We are not saying that these individuals are directly to blame for the atrocities that take place. However, their anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant, anti-Hispanic and anti-African American rhetoric enables extremists, just as ISIS extremists are emboldened and empowered by those that espouse extreme Muslim views.
The time is long overdue for our elected officials to take a very clear stand against hate speech that targets Muslims, immigrants and others. Our elected leaders must clearly and unequivocally condemn such views and those who promote them. The condemnatory tweet of President Trump is not sufficient. Although he expressed his sympathy and best wishes to the "people of New Zealand", he did not mention the word Muslim or address the Muslim community. We believe this omission is intentional. In past tweets in which individuals claiming to be Muslims have been perpetrators, President Trump deliberately mentioned their faith and tried to tie their faith and all Muslims to the horrendous actions of extremists. This double standard must end.
We call on all people of conscience, of whatever background, belief, culture, religion or identity, to stand together against the bigotry and hate which is becoming all too common. We must stand united against those who promote and tolerate such views.