Given the recent rise in antisemitism and incidents of islamophobia across Canada and abroad, Darul Arqam - Fredericton, a local Muslim group and the Rabbi of the Fredericton Jewish community, have joined together during this troubling and chaotic time, to make a statement appealing for peace amongst the general public and our communities at-large.

The current war in the Middle East has caused divisions and rifts within normally peaceful communities, locally and abroad. We acknowledge, there are many sides to this conflict. We believe the loss of innocent lives is what has enraged parties on all sides of the conflict.

That rage, unfortunately in many instances is being misdirected, which is resulting in additional innocent victims. We believe this behaviour, while passionate, runs counter to the intentions of people of conscience.

There can be no justification to exact revenge upon the innocent, anywhere.

Attacks and incidents of vandalism at synagogues and yeshivas, mosques and madrassas, against Jews and Muslims in Canada - communities, institutions and individuals that have no association with that conflict - have made them innocent victims of this conflict, also. The reaction to the reality of innocent lives being lost in the Middle East should NOT result in creating more innocent victims elsewhere. Violent reactions abroad only add to pain being felt globally.

There can be no justification to exact revenge upon the innocent, anywhere.

We realize we make a huge appeal from a small town in Eastern Canada. Yet, our appeal to communities at-large, to the better angels of our nature, for calm, urges us to not create more innocent victims during these tumultuous times.

Rather, we encourage one another to work towards and pray for peace, for the dissolution of inequities, for justice in its time and for protection from violence in all its forms.

We remain, in peace and in faith ...

Naveed Abdul Majid, President
Darul Arqam - Fredericton, New Brunswick

Rabbi Yosef Goldman
Fredericton, New Brunswick