FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 19, 2020
CONTACT
Manisha Sunil, West End Strategy Team
msunil@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202-417-0171
Rabbi Jack Moline: Amid COVID-19 Pandemic, Our Nation Demands Unity, Not Anti-Muslim Conspiracies
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to President Trump’s comment that there “could be a difference” in the enforcement of social distancing guidelines for mosques compared to churches, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, released the following statement:
“At any time, crisis or not, it is abhorrent for our leaders to target and antagonize a minority faith group. And amid crisis, when we are most vulnerable to giving into misinformation and fear, it is critical that our leaders ground their messages in justice, dignity, and care for one another.
“Considering the United States’ history of overpolicing and surveilling mosques and the broader Muslim community, the President’s notion that social distancing requirements will not be enforced during Ramadan is a baseless claim. All houses of worship, regardless of faith or denomination, must follow social distancing requirements, even in the holiest of times. It was not discriminatory for social distancing requirements to be enforced during Easter, nor was it during Passover, and nor will it be during Ramadan. Once again, President Trump is fomenting suspicion, distrust and fear toward the Muslim community during a time when we demand unity and shared responsibility.
“We stand firmly with our Muslim brothers and sisters, many of whom are on the frontlines protecting our communities amid the pandemic. Our friend and partner Farhana Khera, executive director of Muslim Advocates, said it best: ‘Do your job, Mr. President. Tens of thousands of Americans have died so far. America needs ventilators and coronavirus testing, not bigoted anti-Muslim rants.’”
If you are interested in speaking with Rabbi Jack Moline further on this urgent issue, please contact Manisha Sunil at msunil@westendstrategy.com or 202-417-0171.
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Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.