New York, NY, August 22, 2023 – The following statement is attributable to Mr. Jack Rosen, President of the American Jewish Congress, and Dr. Munr Kazmir, Vice President:
“The American Jewish Congress appreciates the strong and immediate condemnation by Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, as well the country’s army chief General Syed Asim Munir, of last week’s shockingly violent, religious-based attacks. At a time of growing hostility against religious minorities across the world, it is imperative to show renewed determination in the preservation of religious freedom and tolerance.
Last week, Pakistan witnessed a set of deeply disturbing attacks against the Christian community in the town of Jaranwala. During these attacks, more than 100 families saw their homes destroyed or damaged by a violent mob. Moreover, there were reports of multiple attacks and burning of churches and other religious institutions, making this escalation of violence even more unacceptable. As Jews, a historically persecuted minority, we know all too well the pain and devastation that intolerance and hate can cause.
The swift reaction of the authorities, including the decision of the Police to establish a ‘protection unit’ to ensure the safety of minority places of worship and communities, is very encouraging. We look forward to seeing the violent perpetrators brought to justice and held accountable, so that extremists and offenders in Pakistan and elsewhere understand that religious violence and extremism cannot and will not be condoned.
We at the American Jewish Congress have always championed religious coexistence and interfaith dialogue and we look forward to continuing working across the world with actors and leaders that are committed to these noble goals and principles.”
