Fethullah Gulen’s statement on recent incidents of hatred in the United States
The past weeks have brought on a number of terrible, traumatic incidents in the United States that betray this nation’s ideals of tolerance and peace. I strongly condemn the recent string of anti-Semitic incidents, the hate-motivated killing of an Indian engineer in Kansas City, and attacks on several mosques across the country.
The intolerant mindsets and ideologies behind these loathsome acts should be fought in the United States and around the world.
It was heartening to see Republican and Democratic leadership stand in unison in sending a message that such actions are un-American.
The desecration of Jewish cemeteries and threats made against Jewish community centers across the United States, the torching of mosques, and attacks on foreign-born individuals represent the most reprehensible types of bigotry and hatred and must continue to be rejected by all.
As someone dedicated to the principles of social justice, human dignity, and interfaith dialogue, I stand firmly with the American faith communities and urge our political leaders to continue to condemn and investigate these despicable acts of prejudice. I reiterate my call for the international community, especially the United Nations, to establish programs to promote respect for the sacred of all faith communities around the world.
I ask God the Most Compassionate to lead our societies to mutual understanding and respect.
About Fethullah Gülen
Fethullah Gülen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades‐long commitment to education, interfaith dialogue and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Gülen is the honorary chairman of the Rumi Forum, Washington, DC and the Intercultural Dialogue Platform, Brussels, Belgium.
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