Standing with our Muslim Brothers and Sisters

San Francisco, CA – The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund, Jewish Federation and The Jewish Community Foundation of the East Bay, San Francisco-based Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco joined voices in solidarity with our Muslims friends and allies following the tragic attacks at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, that left at least 49 people dead. The epidemic of gun-related mass violence has clearly had a ripple effect across the world.  

Just as we saw at the Pittsburgh synagogue, this horrific massacre continues the trend of targeting houses of worship, using immigration and fears of the “other” as a pretext for violence. Yesterday's attack, which came around the time people were attending the mosques for Friday prayers, was the deadliest in New Zealand’s history. 

When Pittsburgh happened, our Muslim community was there to support us, and we are here now to support them. While this tragedy happened thousands of miles away, our hearts go out to the families of the murdered and injured, and we will continue to campaign against extremist hate and violence at home and abroad. 

A community vigil (held by Bay Area Elected Officials, SF Human Rights Commission, SF Interfaith Council, Muslim Community, and community leaders) will take place on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 from 6:30-7:30 pm, SF City Hall Steps (on Polk Street).  Please bring candles to share.

Below are a few organizations you can donate to in order to help those affected by this tragedy:

• The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh has set up a fund for the victims. Last year Pittsburgh’s Muslim communities raised hundreds of thousands for Jewish victims of the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting.

• The New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups has launched a crowdfunding campaign to collect funds helping victims of the attacks and their families.

• The Muslim crowdfunding site LaunchGood has a fund for the families.

• The Al Manar trust has launched an emergency appeal for victims of the Christchurch attack. 

• Rugby player Sonny Bill Williams, who is Muslim, has partnered with MATW (Muslims Around the World) Project to raise funds for victims’ families. From the donate page, select emergency appeal.

We encourage everyone in our community to reach out to their Muslim neighbors, friends and colleagues in solidarity. And if you’re not sure how best to help, please review San Jose-based Islamic Network Group’s guidance.

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The Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund connects people of all ages, backgrounds, and perspectives to the power of the Jewish community to improve the world. We partner with donors, organizations, and foundations to address pressing issues facing our community, and develop innovative strategies that result in deep and lasting impact locally, in Israel, and around the world. Learn more at www.jewishfed.org.