Cape Town Interfaith Initiative (CTII) is deeply saddened at the tragic events at the Malmesbury Masjied in the early hours of yesterday morning, which unfolded against the backdrop of two fatal attacks in Mozambique in the past two months as well as the May 10 murders at the Verulam Mosque near Durban.
We send our heartfelt condolences to all concerned; we cannot begin to imagine the devastation experienced by the families of those who lost their lives, and of the Muslim community.
CTII calls on all parties to maintain calm in their mourning, and to work together to investigate ways of combatting the pervasive sickness of violence that appears to be based in the radicalisation of youth. We call on all humanity to stand against hate crimes, and to work together with compassion to re-educate our children to acknowledge the sacredness of all life. If nothing else, let us at least respect life, even when there are those around us who don’t.
Let there be peace, and let it begin with me.
Berry Behr
Chairperson