Press Statement
Statement Attributable to the Spokesperson for the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) on the Attack on a Synagogue in Poway, California
New York – 28 April 2019
Mr. Miguel Moratinos, the High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) strongly condemns the attack on a synagogue in Poway, Southern California on Saturday, 27 April 2019. He notes that the attack is a hate crime targeting Sabbath worshipers on the last day of Passover.
The High-Representative reiterates that such cowardly attacks are not confined to one religion, country or ethnicity . He stresses that this spate of violence against houses of worship targeting innocent & peaceful citizens should not obstruct our efforts to combat hatred, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination. He vows to continue to work on developing his Plan of Action for safeguarding religious sites to guarantee that worshipers can observe their rituals in a spirit of peace and compassion.
On behalf of UNAOC, the High Representative expresses his deepest condolences to the family of the victim and wishes those who were injured a speedy recovery.