NZ MUSLIMS AND JEWS STAND TOGETHER AGAINST RACISM

In the wake of recent attacks on a mosque in Lower Hutt and a synagogue in
Christchurch, New Zealand Muslims and Jews stand together against racism and
vandalism.

The New Zealand Jewish Council and the Federation of Islamic Associations of
New Zealand issued the following joint statement today:

In the wake of recent attacks on a mosque in Lower Hutt and a synagogue in
Christchurch, New Zealand Muslims and Jews stand together against racism and
vandalism. We are all dismayed by the current turmoil in the Middle East,
but we pray and work for a lasting peace daily. We have no desire to bring
foreign hatred to New Zealand's shores - we only want to live peaceably with
our neighbours. The vandals and bigots are a tiny but vocal minority, and
we know that our many friends are ashamed of such acts occuring in New
Zealand.

We call on all New Zealanders to work hard towards increasing understanding
and supporting each other in times of trouble, as this is the best way to
achieve peace.

Stephen Goodman
Chair, New Zealand Jewish Council

Javed Khan
President, Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand