LGBTQ Jewish group holds solidarity rally outside New York University Islamic Centre after Christchurch attack

“Salam Shalom”, “You are a blessing”, “Jews against bigotry” ,“LGBT American Jews stand with our Muslim sisters and brothers”, “We Pray With Our Feet”,  all messages written on placards.

On Saturday 15th of March, NYU Muslim students attended Jummah prayers at the Islamic Centre At New York University to mourn the loss of the 49 people killed at the Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.

As they walked through to the entrance they found Jewish allies lining the entrance with encouraging and comforting placards in an act of solidarity and love.

Jews created a path holding signs of solidarity outside a mosque entryway in New York so when Muslims walked through to enter the mosque, they see the support.

THIS IS HUMANITY

Retweet pic.twitter.com/G1UetqFOZJ

— StanceGrounded (@_SJPeace_) March 17, 2019

Rowaida Abdelaziz noted on twitter how many worshippers walked “in with tears, overwhelmed by the kindness” in their time of grief.

A stunning portrayal of solidarity where many have gathered outside the Islamic Center of NYU wishing worshipers words of support and love. Many Muslims are walking in with tears, overwhelmed by the kindness. pic.twitter.com/Lfrmi9hZ2m

— Rowaida Abdelaziz (@Rowaida_Abdel) 15 March 2019

The event was organised by Congregation Beit Simchat Torah (CBST), a Jewish organisation for the LGBTQ community. CBST were joined by Jews For Radical & Economic Justice NYC, Bend The Arc: Jewish Action, Interfaith Centre New York, NYC Human Rights and NYC clergy.

Since a video of the group's Saturday solitary rally went viral it’s come to light CBST has been attending ICNYU’s Friday prayers in an act of love and support ever since Donald Trump’s 2016 Inauguration.

Every Friday, rain or sunshine, our Jewish family from @CBST stands outside @ICNYU w/ messages of solidarity for Muslims during Jummah. This Friday, Muslims will stand in solidarity w/ our Jewish sisters &brothers at CBST's Shabbat services.Thanks @Ayisha_Irfan for organizing. pic.twitter.com/pS15pdKJCT

— Widad (@WidadIndie) October 31, 2018

President Trump has been repeatedly criticised for his comments on Muslims, including for comments made in a 2016 interview when he said, “I think Islam hates us”.  As well as in 2017 when he controversially ordered a travel ban against seven Muslim-majority countries.

CBST has consistently extended their kindness and love to ICNYU through the holding of numerous solidarity rallies.  

In 2018 CBST even received a similar show of kindliness from ICNYU following the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting.

In times of great grief and tragedy the two religious groups have supported one another and this is something which has really touched people.

“We will continue to work together for a future filled with more justice and more peace,” CBST said on twitter.

First image:

Members of the the Islamic Center at NYU stand outside @CBST (a Jewish congregation serving the queer community) after Pittsburgh.

Second image:

Members of the Jewish community, organized by @CBST, stand outside the Islamic Center at NYU after New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/HhhGHBIEhs

— Elad Nehorai (@PopChassid) March 15, 2019