December 30, 2019 — New York
The Muslim-Jewish Advisory Council (MJAC) strongly condemns the stabbing attack during a Hanukkah celebration in Monsey, N.Y, that left five people injured. The attack occurred at the home of Rabbi Chaim Rottenberg, spiritual leader of the Kossoner Hassidic community, where hundreds were celebrating the festival of lights. We commend law enforcement for apprehending the sole assailant and bringing him to justice.
Since its founding in 2016 MJAC has worked to stem the rise in hate crimes in the United States though legislative advocacy, working with law enforcement, and strengthening community relations.
MJAC is appalled by the recent scourge of assaults against Jews in the New York area. As Muslims and Jews, we know the great promise that this country holds for minority religions, races and ethnicities, but we are also keenly aware of the vulnerability that we can experience. Hate against any one group is a cancer in our society that if left unchecked will spread and ultimately ruin us all. We call on all members of government and civil society to work together to curb antisemitic hatred and violence from terrorizing Jews in the United States.
We, Muslims and Jews, together call on public officials to condemn such acts of hatred and offer tangible solutions to protect our communities better and strengthen the response of law enforcement. All public figures and social media influencers should raise their voices to condemn antisemitism and raise consciousness of this growing problem. We urge all Americans to reach out to Jewish friends and neighbors and share messages of solidarity and support during this challenging time.
As Muslims and Jews, we refuse to allow the normalization of antisemitism—this cannot become a time for “business as usual” in America, it is a time for action.
MJAC is a civil society coalition established by American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Founded three years ago, MJAC brings together 46 civil society, religious, and business leaders from across the U.S. to advocate for domestic policy issues of common concern. Eleven regional councils in Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Louisville, Miami, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., represent a network of hundreds of Muslim and Jewish leaders committed to working together for the good of both communities and the country.
