Contact: Max Rosenblum or Barbara Weinstein
(202) 387-2800 | mrosenblum@rac.org
Washington, D.C., February 12, 2015 – In response to the murders of Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, Deah Shaddy Barakat and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha in Chapel Hill, NC, Rabbi Jonah Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement:
We are deeply saddened by the murders this week of Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, Deah Shaddy Barakat and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha in Chapel Hill, NC. Three lives full of promise have been cut tragically short, and we wish their family and friends strength and comfort as they confront this terrible loss.
It remains unclear what motivation led to this heinous violence. Yet we know that the students' family has asserted this was a hate crime. We know as well that members of the Muslim-American community have been targets of violence because of their religion. Religious intolerance and hate motivated violence have no place in our society, which protects religious freedom and was founded by those seeking religious liberty. We urge law enforcement authorities to fully and swiftly investigate these murders, ensure that hate crimes charges are brought if appropriate, and prosecute the perpetrator to the full extent of the law.
May the memories of Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, Deah Shaddy Barakat and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha forever be a blessing.
