Albanian, Turkish Community activists condemn hostage situation at Texas Synagogue

The Albanian and Turkish community activists in the United States have unanimously condemned the hostage of Jewish community members at Texas Synagogue.

This was disclosed in a press release shared on social media by faith-based community activists Imam Dr. Tahir Kukaj and Ibrahim Kurtulus.

“We stand together to join all people of goodwill in condemning any such acts of hate.Through our joint message, we hope to send a united message from the Albanian and Turkish Communities to the Jewish community that there is no place for hate and violence in America and we condemn what took place in the Texas synagogue during prayer time,” the statement reads.

The Muslim activists further stated that a war against Semitism is a a war against Islam.

“If Anti Semitism is not stopped Anti Islamophobia will not stop.What starts with the Jews, does not stop with the Jews. No community in America is safe as long as any community remains under the threat of violence, especially if it is born out of hatred,” said Kurtulus. “The social and political climate of America today, with the explosion of hatred unleashed by rise of Nationalism, has lifted the mask off the smile of American liberalism, exposing an ugly and frightening face of fascism that reminds us of times that we all hoped had passed.”

“An attack on any house of worship cannot be condemned strongly enough. Whether it’s a mosque, a church or a synagogue, it’s up to us as leaders and as a community to send a very clear message that hate has no home here and we are not safe unless everyone is safe.”

Kukaj added that any form of crime committed on the basis of nationalism or religion should be treated as nothing but a crime against humanity.

“A crime committed in the name of Nationalism or Religion is the greatest crime upon humanity,” said Imam Kukaj.

“We pray that our community’s message of standing with our friends in the Jewish community restores a sense of security and peace to the Jewish-American community who has undoubtedly been shaken by this event in Texas once again,” he added.

“We must speak with one voice and stand resolved that the communities unequivocally condemn anti-Semitism and commit with action to combating it in all forms.Anti-Jewish bigotry, and all religious and ethnic bigotry, is a terrible sin. As we pray for peace in our communities and comfort for the grieving, we must put prayer into action by loving our neighbors and working to make “Never again!” a reality.

“Collectively, we will rededicate ourselves to fostering the values of cooperation, understanding, and respect as we rise to confront today’s challenges and others that may lie ahead. May God free us from fear and hatred, and sow peace in our lives, our communities, and in the world. Our thoughts are with the Jewish community and all those affected by the appalling act in Texas, Brooklyn, and Staten Island,” the activist concluded.