The Belgian Bombing

IRFWP condemns unequivocally the horrific Tuesday, March 22, 2016 attacks on the innocent people of Brussels, Belgium.

We offer prayers and condolences for the slain and injured, and for families, friends, and communities who have lost precious and beloved members through murderous deeds by violent criminals claimed by the Islamic State.

The IRFWP has studied several declarations of solidarity from religious organizations, and posts three below. Many even religious groups with good content and purpose still could not resist politicization in their official statements and so those statements have been excluded from this small list:

The Interfaith Center of New York Statement on Attacks in Belgium and Turkey

ICNY extends its heartfelt condolences to the people of Belgium and Turkey. These horrific attacks hope to instill fear and dread. We pray for the victims and their families. We must not succumb to divisive tactics. We will work to prevent backlash against Muslims around the world who are too often the victims of terrorism themselves and who are too frequently scapegoated for heinous actions committed in the name of a god they don’t recognize. It is vital in these times of crisis that the rule of law is upheld unequivocally and that we all hold fast to our values of equality and justice for all.

Anti-Defamation League Press Release

ADL Condemns Coordinated Terrorist Attacks in Belgium

New York, NY, March 22, 2016 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today condemned the terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium, for which the terrorist group ISIS has claimed responsibility. The Islamic State claimed that its “fighters” launched the coordinated attacks on the airport and a subway station, killing at least 30 people and wounding 230 more.

Marvin D. Nathan, ADL National Chair, and Jonathan A. Greenblatt, ADL CEO, issued the following statement:

We condemn these heinous attacks which have once again targeted innocent civilians on European soil.  It is with a sense of profound sadness that we are witnessing yet another coordinated attack targeting Western society and its values of pluralism and tolerance.

The warped, intolerant ideology of ISIS stands in stark contrast to that of Brussels, and indeed all of Belgium, which exemplifies and promotes respect for diverse communities, cultures and religions within the strong tradition of a liberal democracy.

We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Belgium, which has suffered repeatedly from violence inspired by Islamic extremism, and yet has admirably sought to strike a balance between maintaining the democratic values of civil society while rooting out Islamic extremists who seek to take advantage of those very freedoms to promote an intolerant and hateful worldview.

Earlier today, ADL sent a letter to Belgium’s Prime Minister, Charles Michel, expressing its deepest condolences and support for the government and people of Belgium at this difficult time.

Pope condemns ‘blind violence,’ offers prayers after Brussels attacks

Pope Francis (CNS/EPA)

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis, condemning the “blind violence” of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, offered his prayers to the victims, the injured, their families and all those offering assistance in the aftermath of the bombings.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, sent the pope’s condolences March 22 to Archbishop Jozef De Kesel of Mechelen-Brussels.

“The Holy Father again condemns the blind violence which causes so much suffering, and he implores from God the gift of peace,” the message said.

The pope “entrusts to God’s mercy those who died and, in prayer, he shares the pain of their loved ones,” the message said. “He expresses his deepest sympathy to the injured and their families, as well as for all those providing assistance, “asking the Lord to give them comfort and consolation amid this ordeal.”

 

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