On behalf of Muswell Hill Synagogue, Highgate Synagogue, Crouch End Liberal Chavura and Crouch End Chabad
Dear All,
I am sure we were all shocked to learn of the killngs that took place earlier today in New Zealand, on Muslim worshippers while at Friday prayers in 2 Mosques there. This attack is simply shocking and fills us with both deep sadness as well as anger. I wanted to let you know that I have written a letter to Bibi Khan who is one of the heads of Wightman Road Mosque to show solidarity at this time. This letter will be read out at a Vigil they are holding at the Mosque this evening. I am copying the letter to you all below so you can see it – it was written on behalf of our community as well as Highgate Synagogue, Crouch End Liberal Chavura and Crouch End Chabad. It is so important that at times like these we all stand totgether to show our disgust for such acts of hate, and our support for the Muslim community. We know from attacks on Jewish communal buildings such as in Pittsburgh recently, how much vulnerability and fear these attacks create.
Shabbat Shalom to you all – this Shabbat we will read Parashat Zachor, remembering how the ancient nation of Amalek wanted to destroy our people. Today, Amalek comes in a number of guises, and on this day, it has risen up to kill within a Muslim community.
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Dear Bibi,
I am writing to you on behalf of a number of Jewish communities in Haringey. I was extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the terrorist killings in the Al-Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand and wanted to express our feelings of deep solidarity with you at this painful time. Although the attack happened in New Zealand, we are sure that your community as well as Muslim communities across the UK, will be feeling vulnerable and worried at this time. I will not forget how you and other members of your Mosque attended a vigil at Muswell Hill Synagogue after the killings in the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. This meant so much and was such a comfort to our community, and even though I cannot be with you tonight, I will be thinking of you this evening while we recite our
Sabbath prayers and want to show total support for your vigil. I know that Jewish people across Haringey will be feeling pain for you all and I look forward to continuing the vital work we are doing together, to bring Muslims and Jews closer. On this dark day, we have to cling to the rays of hope that most of our congregants wish to create a society of tolerance and freedom from violence.
With warm wishes
Rabbi David Mason
On behalf of Muswell Hill Synagogue, Highgate Synagogue, Crouch End Liberal Chavura and Crouch End Chabad.