MCEC statement on events in Istanbul on 28 June 2016

Too often these days we find ourselves issuing what feel like platitudes. News of the attack on Tuesday in Istanbul came in as we gathered together to break fasts and stand for prayers during this holy month of Ramadan. The Muslim community stands for freedom, peace, and the ability to live our daily lives without fear.  In this sacred month of seeking forgiveness and garnering unity, this attack again demonstrates how terrorists are far from where the majority of the Muslim world stands and have no regard for our core belief of maintaining peace and not causing unrest in the world.

Turkey this year has already seen two attacks in January, March and now a third in June. It is clear the attackers’ prime objective is to create chaos and divide Muslims from the society we live in and to perpetuate the myth of ‘Them and Us’. Their enemy is all of humanity who do not share their warped world view and we stand united against this view and their actions.

We at MCEC are proud to say we are truly a multicultural, multi ethnic mosque. Our Turkish brothers and sisters are at the forefront of our minds as we stand with them and all victims of such attacks across the world. Our prayers are with the departed and the families left behind and with the brave people who helped without regard for their own safety. Their brave actions show clearly what makes us human: the need to help others and to support goodness over the evil.

“We will not let the terrorists win by dividing us.”

#notinourname #prayforworldpeace #prayforturkey

Board of Trustees
MCEC – Palmers Green Mosque
London
30 June 2016