San Francisco Interfaith Delegation

Responds to Terrorist Attacks in France

 

February 6, 2015

 


 

(Left to right) 

 

Rev. Ronald Kobata, Resident Minister - Buddhist Church of SF and SFIC Board Member

Rabbi Doug Kahn, Executive Director - Jewish Community Relations Council

Rita R. Semel, Past Chair and SFIC Board Member - San Francisco Interfaith Council

Rosalind Franklin, President - Jewish Community Relations Council

The Honorable Pauline Carmona, Consul General of France in San Francisco

Kaushik Roy, Executive Director - The Shanti Project and SFIC Board Member

Michael G. Pappas, Executive Director - San Francisco Interfaith Council

Rev. Dr. Karen Oliveto, Pastor - Glide Memorial Church and SFIC Board Member

Ameena Jandali, Content Director - Islamic Network Group

 

Yesterday, an interfaith delegation, comprised of leaders from the San Francisco Interfaith Council, Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco and the Islamic Network Group, was received by the Honorable Pauline Carmona, Consul General of France in San Francisco.

 

The purpose of the meeting was to express the deep sorrow of San Francisco's interfaith community over the loss of life and lives shattered as a result of the horrifying terrorist attacks directed against the journalists at the Charlie Hebdo French satirical weekly magazine and Jews shopping at the Kosher supermarket in Paris. The delegation was united in condemning all forms of bigotry, including anti-Semitism and Islamophobia. Special sensitivity was raised for the growing fear of the backlash targeting the Muslim community, the overwhelming majority of whom oppose acts of terrorism. The leaders asked the Consul General to convey these sentiments to Prime Minister Valls and the Government of France. Coming together in solidarity, the delegation offered a model of interfaith cooperation of what can be done to ensure that communities do not feel isolated when victimized or scapegoated. They offered to be a resource in growing ties among the various faith communities in France who are on the front line of this struggle.

 

Consul General Carmona offered sincere gratitude for the initiative taken by the delegation and gave a thoughtful response to the message.

 

For additional information, please contact Michael G. Pappas at (415) 425-9631.