March 15, 2019
Palestine condemns the terrorist attack on New Zealand mosques, calls for unity in countering prejudice and hate

"On behalf of the Palestinian leadership and people, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the horrific terrorist attack against innocent worshipers in two New Zealand mosques this Friday. Our thoughts are with the families of the victims, including several Palestinian families, who lost their loved ones or whose loved ones are now battling serious injuries. We also extend our support and sympathy to the people and government of New Zealand and commend Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for her leadership at this difficult time.

This horrific attack is an assault on the core of our common humanity because it is an attack motivated by unchecked hate and prejudice. Today, families in New Zealand, Palestine, and other countries around the world are united today in their grief and pain. We believe that all energy must focus first on healing the indelible physical and moral wounds caused by the unleashing of hate and bigotry in the most violent and extreme of manners.

Exclusivist and extremist ideology of any leaning dehumanizes the “other” using misconceptions and willful distortions and thus excuses violence. It is a common threat that endangers our societies and communities of all faiths. Unfortunately, hate speech and incitement have been tolerated for too long. Bigotry and racism have been normalized. Prejudices, including Islamophobia, Antisemitism, and Xenophobia have plagued public discourse by politicians who exploit ignorance, fan the flames of hate, and sow fear for cynical political expediency.

At a global level, we have a collective moral responsibility to confront this reprehensible mainstreaming of animosity. As leaders, we have a collective interest and a moral duty to draw the appropriate lessons from this tragedy and protect our societies from the scourges of hate and violence. Instead of tolerating incitement and prejudice, we must work to promote tolerance, dignity, and acceptance as our shared human values."

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