JDCA Statement on New Zealand Mosque Attacks

WASHINGTON–Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) Executive Director Halie Soifer issued the following statement following the horrific murders of 49 Muslim worshippers in New Zealand:

“JDCA mourns the senseless loss of life at two mosques in New Zealand, and sends it deepest condolences to those impacted by this horrific act of terror. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Muslim community at this time of sorrow, and strongly condemn Islamophobia.

“These murders demonstrate that the danger of the white supremacy movement knows no borders, and that President Trump’s hateful rhetoric and policies have emboldened extremists targeting Muslims and Jews. The white supremacist who perpetrated the Tree of Life massacre was inspired by Trump’s anti-immigrant policies, and the New Zealand shooter’s manifesto praised Trump as ‘a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.’ We deeply regret that the President of the United States is viewed as a symbol of hatred and division, not just in the United States, but around the world.

“We recognize the growing danger of racial and religious intolerance, and reaffirm our commitment to fighting hatred and bigotry in all its forms.”