In the Torah (Genesis 17:20), we are taught that the descendants of Ishmael shall be blessed. Our bonds to the Muslim community reach back to our common spiritual ancestor, Abraham.

The Toronto Board of Rabbis expresses our deepest sadness and shock over the recent attack against the Muslim family in London, Ontario. In Leviticus 19:16, we are commanded: “Do not stand idly by while your neighbour’s blood is shed.” We stand in solidarity with all Muslim Canadians in the conviction that freedom of religion protects people of faith to express their sacred beliefs in their homes, in their places of worship, and openly in the community without fear.

We call on all Canadians and every level of government to take action against Islamophobia in all its forms and to insist that hatred, violence, and discrimination have no place in our society. Let us join together in reaffirming the shared values that make Canada a safe and welcoming place for people of diverse beliefs and backgrounds to live in peace with one another. This is a sacred pledge from which we will never desist.