PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2019
Contact: Ramla Sahid 619.265.6611 ramla@panasd.org
We stand with the families of the victims and the Christchurch Muslim Community
SAN DIEGO – At the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans - PANA, we’re heartbroken to hear the news of lives lost at the hands of white supremacy in New Zealand during Friday prayers on March 15th. PANA stands with the Christchurch Muslim community and our Kiwi friends in their time of mourning and pledge our support. We encourage members of our community and followers to support the families and victims of the New Zealand Mosque shootings by Clicking here.
“No one should be afraid of entering their house of worship or practicing their religion. Unfortunately, for too many of us that has become a reality. Hate speech and hate crimes have risen in the last few years, as bigots grew emboldened by the visceral Islamophobia espoused by the Trump administration. Now is the time for San Diegans to rally around their Muslim friends, neighbors, and loved ones and show their support. We can and we must do better.” Ramla Sahid, Executive Director.
Government officials and our local lawmakers should strongly condemn white nationalist violence in all its forms. No one should fear for their safety when attending their house of worship. Call on your lawmakers today and demand that they condemn hate in all its forms including standing up in opposition of the Muslim Ban.
Contact:
Rep. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego
333 F St., Suite A, Chula Vista, 91910 Local office: (619) 422-5963 Washington office: (202) 225-8045 Vargas.house.govRep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego
4350 Executive Drive, Suite 105, San Diego, 92122 Local office: (858) 455-5550
Washington office: (202) 225-0508 Scottpeters.house.govRep. Susan Davis, D-San Diego
2700 Adams Ave., Suite 102, San Diego, 92116 Local office: (619) 280-5353
Washington office: (202) 225-2040 house.gov/susandavis
Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans — PANA
4089 Fairmount Ave, City Heights, CA 92105 www.panasd.org Tel: (619) 732-6793
We also call on every San Diegan to demonstrate acts of solidarity with our Muslim neighbors, co-workers, and friends today. PANA will be attending a press conference at the Islamic Center of San Diego 7050 Eckstrom Ave, San Diego, CA 92111 on Friday March 15th at 3:00pm. Those who would like to show support during Jumma Prayer should arrive at 1:30pm.
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PANA is a research, community organizing, and public policy hub dedicated to advancing the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees and Muslims in the region.