The Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS) gives thanks for the safe release of members of Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, Texas, who were taken hostage in their synagogue during Shabbat services this weekend. ICJS strongly condemns antisemitism and all acts of religious hatred and violence. Everyone should be able to worship safely and peacefully.
We are heartened by the stories emerging about the deep interreligious relationships in the Dallas-Fort Worth area as well as the many expressions of solidarity from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim leaders around the country.
“So happy for Rabbi Charlie [Cytron-Walker] and his beautiful family, and that all hostages are safe. Make no mistake that the trauma will continue as it always does… But we will be there for our Jewish neighbors again as they recover,” said Omar Suleiman, founder & president of the Dallas-Fort Worth-based Yaqeen Institute, an Islamic research institute.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we raise our voices against religious bias and bigotry, and do the hard, but essential work of engaging in interreligious dialogue in order to build the interreligious society; we need to be there for our neighbors. ICJS will continue to watch in hope as these interreligious conversations continue in the coming days and weeks.
Sincerely,
Heather Miller Rubens, Ph.D.
Executive Director and Roman Catholic Scholar
Irfan Malik
President, Board of Trustees