New Zealand community cancels Shabbat services in wake of mosque shootings
All synagogues and other community centres in New Zeland remain closed including Kadimah, the Jewish day school which nopt open tomorrow.
Kadimah School
A spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council told J-Wire they are heeding advice from the police.
A message sent to Auckland Hebrew Congregation members said that law enforcement was “unable to guarantee us protection this evening as they mobilise to support Christchurch, as well as protect mosques throughout New Zealand. It is therefore with deep regret that the AHC BOM takes this unprecedented step in cancelling organised service this Shabbat, as we are concerned about the security of our community.”
“The New Zealand Jewish Council has no adequate words to describe how sickened and devastated we are by the coordinated attacks on Christchurch mosques today,” Stephen Goodman, the president of the New Zealand Jewish Council, told J-wire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Twitter that Israel “mourns the wanton murder of innocent worshippers in Christchurch and condemns the brazen act of terror in New Zealand.”
“We are devastated by the news that our fellow citizens can be attacked in a place of worship and peace,” said the Holocaust Centre of New Zealand in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and the wider Muslim community.”
“We say to all New Zealanders that acts of hate have no place in our society and to stand in solidarity against people who believe they do,” they added. “It is our responsibility to care for, respect and protect everyone, and we all have the right to feel as safe in a place of worship as we do in our own homes.”
