On Sunday, 200 Muslims, Christians and Jews and those of other faiths joined together for a service at Teaneck’s Dar-ul-Islah Mosque, memorializing the 50 victims of last week’s horrific shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. Local religious leaders and politicians made comments aimed at healing and promoting unity against hate.
Among many religious and elected officials, Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot addressed the gathering, expressing support and words of comfort for the Muslim community on behalf of the Modern Orthdodox community in Teaneck.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, who is of the Sikh faith, attended gatherings in both Passaic and Teaneck, referring collectively to Christchurch, Pittsburgh and South Carolina, all places that are now infamous for mass shootings in houses of worship. “We must treat acts of hate against one of our communities as an act of hate against all of our communities,” Grewal said.
Dean Kacinski, Teaneck’s interim township manager, made statements on behalf of the township following the mosque shooting. “People who are murdered solely because of their religion is an attack on all of us and will not be tolerated. The Township of Teaneck sends our love and sorrow to the families of the victims, and our wishes for recovery to all those injured in this senseless attack.
“In the wake of this horrific act of hate, our police department has increased security at our houses of worship and schools. We continue to remain in constant contact with our county, state and federal constituents to include the Office of Homeland Security and the Joint Terrorism Task Force. Our collective work against violence and hate must continue.”
Bergen County Sheriff Anthony Cureton also made an announcement following the attacks. “The safety and security of all Bergen County residents is of the utmost importance. While there is no specific or credible threat at this time, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office is working cooperatively with local law enforcement to provide increased patrol to mosques and other houses of worship across Bergen County. Our hearts go out to the 49 victims in Christchurch, New Zealand, who were senselessly taken for simply practicing their faith. Hate, racism and bigotry have no home here in Bergen County, and the BCSO will continue to work to keep all our families, friends and loved ones safe.”
