21 March 2019

Following Friday’s heinous terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques, the New Zealand Jewish community has been overwhelmed by enquiries and offers of financial support from its members, as well as overseas Jewish organisations and individuals. This includes the Pittsburgh Jewish community whose synagogue was attacked by a white supremacist in October last year, for whom the Muslim community raised over US$200,000.

Together with Rabbis from Auckland and Wellington, Auckland-based NZ Jewish Council spokesperson Juliet Moses visited Christchurch on Tuesday to convey Jewish sympathy and support towards the Muslim community devastated by the massacre and ascertain how the Council could best assist those families affected.

Moses said: “The focus right now is of course on the burial of loved ones, and dealing with the immediate aftermath of the trauma. The New Zealand Jewish Council is committed to consulting and working with the Muslim community to ascertain their immediate and longer-term needs and how we can assist. We have begun that dialogue, but in the fullness of time we will have a better understanding of where we can best channel our funds.

We are well aware that the implications of the massacre for the families affected and the broader Muslim community will last a very long time, as will the need for support. One idea, given that both Islam and Judaism place a high value on education, is to assist with the educational needs of children affected. However, it will ultimately be over to the discretion of the Muslim community.”

Those who wish to donate can make a deposit directly into the bank account of the Auckland Jewish Council, a registered charity.

01-0129-0068508-00

Please include:

“Christchurch” in Particulars

“Your name” in Reference

New Zealand donations of $5.00 or more are eligible for a tax rebate.

To get emailed a tax receipt please email christchurch@ajc.org.nz giving your name, donation amount, and the date the deposit was made.

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