Statement in the wake of Pittsburgh Antisemitic attack

Statement from the Inter Faith Network for the UK Co-Chairs and Faith Communities Forum Moderators

Yesterday's terrible Antisemitic attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh USA has been responded to here in the UK with prayers and with words of condemnation and strong messages of solidarity with the Jewish community from across the UK's faith communities.

Like attacks on churches, gurdwaras, mosques, temples and other places of worship of different faiths here and around the world, it is a reminder of the need to condemn extremist violence in the strongest terms and to stand together and to continue to work together with ever greater urgency against ignorance, prejudice and hatred. 

There is no place in civilised society for Antisemitism.

Nor is there a place for Islamophobia and hatreds targeting communities of other faiths and beliefs. 

All communities must be able to exist in safety and to practise their faith freely and without fear.  

The Inter Faith Network Co-Chairs and Faith Communities Forum Moderators

28 October 2018

Notes for editors

1. Press queries to Inter Faith Network: tel 020 7730 0410; email ifnet@interfaith.org.uk.
2. The Inter Faith Network for the UK www.interfaith.org.uk was founded in 1987 to advance public knowledge and mutual understanding of the teachings, traditions and practices of the different faith communities in Britain and to promote good relations between people of different faiths in this country. It works with its member bodies and others to carry out these aims.
3. Member bodies of the Inter Faith Network include: national faith community representative bodies; national, regional and local inter faith bodies; and academic institutions and educational bodies concerned with inter faith issues. A list of member bodies can be found at http://www.interfaith.org.uk/members.
4. A copy of this statement can be found at http://interfaith.org.uk/resources/statements-and-messages and a copy of IFN's statement making policy is at https://www.interfaith.org.uk/uploads/Policy_on_making_of_statements.pdf.
5. IFN’s guidance, Looking After One Another: The Safety and Security of our Faith Communities, published in partnership with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the Home Office, the Crown Prosecution Service, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the National Fire Chiefs’ Council can be found at: https://www.interfaith.org.uk/uploads/Looking_After_One_Another_-_The_safety_and_security_of_our_faith_communities.pdf  That document contains guidance on responding jointly to attacks on places of worship; working for calm at times of tension; and working to build on and strengthen existing good inter faith relations. It contains material about how and where to report hate incidents, cyber-attacks, and actual or suspected terrorist activity; where to find information on strengthening the security of buildings; and where to find information about working to build – and strengthen – good inter faith relations locally.