The multireligious Board of Directors of the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) issued the following statement on the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, yesterday. The shooting resulted in 8 casualties, and three police officers were among those shot:

“By attacking during weekly Shabbat services at the Synagogue, when the building was full of people for a Saturday service, the perpetrator was striking at the very heart of this community, and meant to cause harm to as many peaceful worshippers as possible. 

Violence of any kind against people practicing their universal human right to peaceful worship is unacceptable. 

We extend our solidarity to the Jewish community of Squirrel Hill. We stand with them in this time of grief, and affirm that believers of all religions have the right to practice their faith in peace and security. Any attempt to take away this right through violence is a crime against our shared humanity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this heinous crime, and with their friends, family and community.”

About the KAICIID Board of Directors:

The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) is an intergovernmental organization mandated to promote dialogue among different religious and cultural groups to promote justice, peace and reconciliation and to counteract the abuse of religion to justify violence. The Centre is governed by a multi-religious Board of Directors, consisting of representatives of five religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism.

The Board Members are: Dr. Hamad Al-Majed, Dr. Kezevino Aram, His Excellency Bishop Miguel Ayuso, His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel, Reverend Kosho Niwano, His Virtue Sheikh Ul-Islam A. Pashazade, Reverend Mark Poulson, Chief Rabbi David Rosen and Dr. Mohammad Sammak.