24 October 2023
Joint statement issued by faith-based organisations across Europe
In the wake of escalating violence in Israel and Gaza, we find ourselves in a moment of profound sorrow and heartbreak. While the number of victims keeps increasing, the consequences of the conflict are felt far beyond the region. Across Europe too, we are witnessing a distressing surge in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents.
These times are uniquely challenging for Muslims and Jews across Europe. We are all hurting. It is crucial, amidst heightened emotions, to remember that the true adversaries are violence and war, not each other. For years, we’ve tirelessly built coalitions across Europe, fostering understanding, respect, and friendship. Now, more than ever, we must stand united against hate. Our communities look to us for leadership, guidance, and solace.
We unequivocally condemn and stand against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia, now more than ever. After the horror of the recent days, we all must show responsibility and care in choosing our words and actions. We can only advance protecting our communities while ensuring that we hear the pain of the other.
At this time, we recommit to pursuing the interfaith relations that we have built. Continued interfaith cooperation is vital to our communities’ safety and intertwined futures. Together, we can counteract the forces of hate and violence and demonstrate clearly that friendship prevails over division.
Signed,
Organisations
ACT Alliance EU
Belong – The Cohesion and Integration Network
Blanquerna Observatory on Media, Religion and Culture
Caritas Europa
CESTA-Spájame
Diaconia ECCB – Center of Relief and Development
Diakonia ECCB – CNPS
EU-CORD
European Jewish Community Centre
Faiths In Tune
FestivALT Association
Habonim Dror
HIAS Europe
Islamic Relief Germany
Islamic Relief Worldwide
Jesuit Refugee Service Portugal
Jewish Representative Council of Ireland
Jüdische Gemeinde „haKochaw“ für den Kreis Unna K.d.ö.R.
Kehilat Sukkat Shalom / Progressiv Judendom i Stockholm
Kista Folkhögskola
LJY Netzer
Muslimernas förening i Nacka
Muslim Jewish Conference
New Horizons in British Islam
Paideia – The European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden
Quaker Council for European Affairs
Zaatar NGO