An Open Letter to the Islamic Center of West Contra Costa County

We share your shock and grief in the wake of the reprehensible mass-murder of Muslim worshipers in New Zealand last Friday. As descendants of our common father, Abraham, and as worshippers of the same God, you are our brothers and sisters. We too are a community of immigrants and the children of immigrants. We too have been subjected to discrimination, hatred, and violence. We are with you.

In Sefer Bereshit the first book of the holy Torah we read, “And God created man in His image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27) From this we learn that as all human beings are created in the image of God, all human beings represent God and thus every human being is precious.

Further, our Sages of blessed memory interpreted this verse, “And man was created from two common ancestors (Adam and Eve) for the fostering of peace, that one not say to his neighbor: “My father and mother (i.e., my original ancestors) were greater than yours,” meaning that no human being is better than another and all are of equal value. (Midrash Sanhedrin 4:5)

Our rabbi told us that at Friday prayers Imam Mehter asked, “Who will have our back, if we need support?” To answer his question, we will have your back. You are not alone. We would like to get to know you better and we invite you to get to know us better, as brothers, sisters, neighbors and friends. Not just in times of grief, but in times of joy as well. Let’s find ways to come together, to celebrate, to mourn and to work together for the good of our common humanity and community.

Salaam alaikum, Shalom aleichem,

The Board of Temple Beth Hillel