The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today joined Australian Muslims in denouncing a deadly attack on the Jewish community in that nation and commended a Muslim “hero” for acting to disarm one of the attackers.
At least 11 people were killed in a mass shooting targeting the Jewish community on Australia’s Bondi Beach as hundreds gathered to celebrate the first day of Hanukkah.
In a statement, Washington, D.C., based CAIR said:
“We echo the Australian Muslim community’s statements denouncing the deadly attack on a Hanukkah event at Bondi Beach in Sydney. We also commend Ahmed Al Ahmed, the Australian man who reportedly tackled and disarmed one of the shooters, taking fire and risking his own life to save lives.
“The criminals Mr. Al Ahmed bravely confronted do not represent the Australian Muslim community or the country’s diverse movement to peacefully advocate for Palestinian human rights, which is why both have rejected their violence.
“Their horrendous attack on Jewish worshipers at the start of Hanukkah was completely unacceptable and the very definition of antisemitic. So is holding the Jewish community responsible for the actions of the Israeli government or justifying the Israeli government’s actions in the name of the entire Jewish community.
“Predictably, extremists online are already using today’s crime to justify their calls for hate and violence against all immigrants and western Muslims. This, too, is unacceptable. We encourage people of all faiths to review their security procedures and precautions, and for law enforcement to ensure all communities are safe as the holidays approach.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, e-Mitchell@cair.com; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, iallison@cair.com