Reform Movement Statement on the Mass Shooting at the Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec

For Immediate Release
January 30, 2017

Contact: Graham Roth or Max Rosenblum
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org

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WASHINGTON – In response to the shooting at the Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec, killing six worshippers and wounding eight, Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism, issued the following statement on behalf of the Union for Reform Judaism, Central Conference of American Rabbis and wider Reform Movement:

“We are deeply saddened by the horrific attack on worshippers at a Quebec mosque last night. The murder of people engaged in holy prayer who were targeted because of their faith is especially painful and violates universal religious and human values of compassion and respect for life.

“Our prayers are with those who were injured, the families of all whose lives were taken, and the entire Islamic Cultural Center of Quebec community. May the memories of those lost be a source of comfort to their family and friends.”

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The Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism is the Washington office of the Union for Reform Judaism, whose nearly 900 congregations across North America encompass 1.5 million Reform Jews, and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, whose membership includes more than 2,000 Reform rabbis. Visit www.rac.org for more.