At a time when bickering is breaking out on university campuses over the Israel-Hamas war and Jewish schools are the target of anti-Semitic attacks, dozens of Montreal archbishops, reverends, rabbis and imams are uniting in a joint statement calling on Canadians to put an end to this surge in violence.
“We ask the wonderful citizens of our beloved city to join us in denouncing all forms of hatred and to never glorify or rejoice in violent acts. We urge everyone to never let our ideologies, religious beliefs or political positions become the reason to feel hatred for another human being,” say the leaders of different communities in their open letter. published in The duty.
The text, which was taken from another group from Ottawa, was signed by 58 people from Montreal.
“The situation is particularly difficult here, with everything that is happening in universities and primary schools, and that is why we wanted to send a message of unity. », Supports Diane Rollert, pastor of the Unitarian Church of Montreal. “As leaders of faith, we can act as role models in inspiring people from different backgrounds to work together for peace. »
A history of collaboration
Rabbi Lisa Gruschcow, co-signer, said she was “devastated to see the recent rise in anti-Semitism and Islamophobia”. “It is important to send messages like this to remind us that all religious communities share common values, regardless of their opinions on what is happening in the Middle East. »
The Jewish leader also maintains that “the different communities are used to helping each other in Montreal”. “We often speak at each other’s places of worship, and every year we do community service together. It is particularly important to strengthen our ties in the current context. »
Imam Hassan Guillet, who also signed the letter, explains that like Jews who fear the rise of anti-Semitism, Montreal Muslims “are very affected by what is happening, because there is a large Palestinian diaspora here “. “So many Palestinians in Montreal have relatives in the Gaza Strip and worry about them. The atmosphere is very tense, but we can encourage the population to ask for a ceasefire while avoiding at all costs that the violence is transported here. »
“If we can’t help the people there, at least we can show them that back home, it’s possible to lead a peaceful life,” adds Hassan Guillet. More than ever, we need to send a message of peace. »