We at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) are shocked over the news coming out of New Zealand. Our hearts are shattered for those who lost family members and loved ones in this tragedy. We stand with the Muslim Community of New Zealand after the horrific white supremacist terror attack that has left 49 dead and dozens injured; and we offer our condolences to the families of those who lost loved ones.

The terrorist opened fire at two different mosques during Friday prayer in Christchurch, NZ. This type of violence and the hate that it motivates must not be accepted in any country. Whether a Mosque, Church, Temple or Synagogue, no one should fear for their safety when attending their house of worship.

The ideology of white supremacy which drove the attackers is a grave threat to communities of color, including Arabs and Muslims, in the U.S. and abroad. White supremacy is not just an ideology, it has become a battle cry for terror attacks as seen in New Zealand. White supremacist terrorism kills more Americans than any other ideologically motivated violence and yet it is not taken seriously – this needs to change. In the wake of this terror attack we call on elected officials in the U.S. and across the world to commit themselves to opposing hate speech and the ideology of white supremacy.

Elected officials have the responsibility and the platform to bring people together and affirm our human solidarity. This type of violence is a direct result of politicians exploiting social division and sowing fear. In fact, one of the shooters thinks of Donald Trump as “a symbol of renewed white identity and common purpose.” Whether it’s separating families through the Muslim Ban, taking children away from their families at America’s border, or dehumanizing refugees in Europe politicians who drive these messages encourage the worst

We will continue to commit ourselves to fighting against hate, bigotry and ideologies which lead to such terror attacks. ADC stands with all the people of New Zealand and worldwide calling for an end of white supremacy.

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