American Jewish Committee partners the New Zealand Jewish Council to help Muslim impacted by Christchurch attack
American Jewish Committee has partnered with the New Zealand Jewish Council to provide financial support to the Muslim community devastated by racist, terrorist attacks on two mosques in Christchurch.
Stephen Goodman
Fifty members of Christchurch were murdered in the attack by a sole gunman on Friday, March 15.
The AJC CEO David Harris said: “We are moved as Jews, as human beings, to respond with heartfelt compassion for the families of the victims, for all in New Zealand’s Muslim community hurting in the wake of this unspeakable terrorist assault.”
The heavily armed sole shooter, apparently motivated by white supremacist ideologies, killed 50 and wounded more than 30 at the Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque during Friday morning prayers.
Harris added: “The answer to those who traffic in hate, who perpetrate violence against houses of worship, must be unity, solidarity, and linked arms against evil.”
The Auckland-based The New Zealand Jewish Council said it is overwhelmed with the support from Jewish Communities around the world and particularly from the United States, Australia, United Kingdom and South Africa.
President Stephen Goodman told J-Wire: “We are pleased to partner with the American Jewish Committee in providing assistance to the Christchurch Muslim Community following the terrorist attack. No one should have to face such a tragedy.
The Tzedakah given is a genuine expression of Jewish concern for the rights of others to freely practice their religion without fear of threats, intimidation or violence. The New Zealand Jewish Council is working with the Muslim organisations to ensure that funds raised will be appropriately applied to meet both the immediate needs and longer-term requirements of the victims and their families. We all hope that this will bring us closer together with a better understanding of each other in an environment and country where we can all live in peace.”
