Grieving over terrorist attacks in Paris

Our hearts and prayers go out to those in Paris, those who lost family members and friends, the press who have more members of that fraternity due to freedom of speech issues, to the Jewish community, and even to the large Muslim community in France that may suffer as a result, regardless of their opposition to violence and “Al-Qaeda-like” goals and aspirations.

To the families of journalists, editorial cartoonists and staff at Charlie Hedbo, we express our sincere condolences, along with those from all over the world, including the ISNA. ( statement here.) and other Muslim leaders worldwide.

To the Jewish community in Paris, and those lost just before Shabbat at Hyper Cacher, the kosher market, who were attacked for no apparent reason other than their race/religion, we express our condolences.

According to Roger Cukierman, over 6,000 Jews emigrated from France to Israel last year. Attacks of this nature encourage more to do so over senseless attacks and perceived insecurity.

“Europe is (already) in the grip of so much tension over the question of Islam and immigration.” The actions of individuals within the Muslim community to determine it’s heart and message, its stance on violence as a response to the West, and to perceived threats, is ongoing and critically important. Overall we must remember that individual Muslims are not to blame and that these violent individuals did not act on behalf of the Muslim community.

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UPDATE:

With the whole world’s eyes upon them, Charlie Hedbo responded this week to the violence and murder – Not by honoring their own staff, but by purposefully responding/insulting (in a most hurtful/vulgar way) with a new issue, in effect saying “we will not be cowed.”

A friend said this in response to Charlie Hedbo: “I can’t see how this response in any way increases the trust and solidarity in European society we so badly need. I totally missed any message from Europe’s leaders – or the world’s leaders – calling for responsibility and respect. The answer is not more offensive biting satire – although I accept it has become a necessary evil within our democratic societies. The answer is truth, love and justice – Not “in your face”, vulgar provocation for which Charlie Hebdo stands. The elite’s response to last week’s tragedies is sowing more fear and confusion among Muslims in Europe which will only polarize our society further, when we badly need bridges. While I empathize with those who mourn, I’m greatly disappointed in our leaders for the lack of appropriate leadership on this score.”

A columnist in Britain’s Telegraph questioned the thinking that the terrorists ‘win’ if we don’t reproduce these cartoons, and ‘lose’ if we do.” We agree that this is a “zero-sum-game,” and a poor choice on their part. We are saddened by the further hurt and grief being causing today across Europe.

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The three young men identified as suspects have been killed. Two of the terror suspects while holed up in a printing warehouse north of Paris and another gunman who had seized hostages at a kosher supermarket in the capital along with his girlfriend.

Police confirmed that Cherif Kouachi, 32, and his older brother Said, 34, who had been cornered in a printing warehouse in the village of Dammartin-en-Goele (map here), were killed in the operation that erupted with loud explosions, smoke and gunfire.

Both were on a U.S. “no-fly” terrorist watch list, said a U.S. official who was not authorized to speak on the case.

At the same time, security forces in eastern Paris stormed the supermarket in Porte de Vincennes, killing the third gunman, identified as Amedy Coulibaly, 32, who was holed up with his girlfriend, Hayat Boumeddiene, only a kilometer (a half mile) away from Charlie Hebdo’s offices. He was linked to the killing of a policewoman south of the capital Thursday. Boumeddiene is NOT believed to be behind the hostage situation at a kosher supermarket in Porte de Vincennes. She is “at-large” and being sought for information regarding the death of the rookie policewoman however, after escaping the supermarket in the confusion. Four hostages were also reported killed in the raid by Reuters.

Another suspect, Hamyd Mourad, 18, surrendered at a police station early Thursday in Charleville-Mezieres, a small town in France’s eastern Champagne region.

“What just happened could make the French even more receptive to poisonous ideas.”

– Hanan Ben Rhouma

To those who died the other day, we say “Rest in peace.” To the families and loved ones, we offer our prayers and strength. To the Muslims of Paris and France, we offer our understanding and reassurance that reprisals and suspicion will not rule our hearts and minds. Veiled women should not fear going out alone. Journalists should not fear what they write. Hate should not be allowed to reign in any heart or mind. We encourage everyone to pray along with us, for peace, God’s peace, for everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.