The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today condemned the “cowardly, horrific and unacceptable” bombing of a church in Syria and expressed support for the Syrian government’s efforts to counter such extremists.
According to the Syrian Interior Ministry, someone opened fire on Sunday inside Mar Elias Church in the east of Damascus before blowing himself up, killing at least 22 people and injuring 63 others.
SEE: More than 20 dead after ‘ISIS suicide bombing’ in Damascus church – video | Syria | The Guardian
“We condemn this cowardly, horrific and unacceptable attack on the Christian community of Syria,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “This attack violates the principles of the Islamic faith and the very essence of humanity. We welcome the Syrian government’s efforts to counter such extremism and its pledge to ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.”
In a statement, Hussam Ayloush, executive director of CAIR’s Greater Los Angeles Area Office (CAIR-LA) and who is Syrian-American, said: “This criminal attack not only viciously targets the Syrian Christian community, but all Syrians and the future of stability and democracy in Syria. My condolences to all the families of the murdered victims and my prayers for the injured.”
He quoted a verse of the Holy Quran, Islam’s revealed text, which states:
“Had God not repelled (the aggression of) some people by means of others, destruction would have surely claimed monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which God’s Name is often mentioned. God will certainly help those who stand up for Him.” The Holy Quran, 22:40
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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