wfn.org | NCCCUSA STATEMENT: L.A. JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER ATTACK

[CAROL_FOUKE.parti@ecunet.org (CAROL FOUKE)]

NCCCUSA Statement: LA Jewish Community Center Attack

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the 
U.S.A.

Internet: news@ncccusa.org
Contact: NCC News, 212-870-2227

NCC8/11/99 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement of NCCC General Secretary
on Attack on Jewish Community Center in Los Angeles

August 11, 1999

Yet again we witness the shooting of innocent 
people, singled out as the targets of hate and 
violence because of their ethnic identity.  This 
time, the city is Los Angeles, and the target Jewish 
children and adults in a Jewish community center.  
As a mother and grandmother, but even more as a 
Christian, I am deeply saddened and outraged by this 
attack.

May God be with the victims and their families, 
including the family of Joseph Ileto, killed just 
outside the center.  May God's healing presence be 
with you, and with the community affected by this 
act.

Acts such as this, motivated by hatred based on 
religious and racial prejudice, are acts aimed at us 
all.  As Christians, we condemn such violence as 
sinful, contrary to God's will that we love one 
another as children of the One God.

On this day we stand with our Jewish sisters and 
brothers against such senseless violence.  In light 
of the events in Los Angeles and Chicago, we call 
our churches and this Council to redouble our 
efforts to combat the religious and racial prejudice 
that has led to these deaths.  May all of us, 
together, join hands to respond to the violence 
which seems to be engulfing us, and to be the 
builders of the beloved community which God intends.

(The Rev. Dr.) Joan Brown Campbell
General Secretary

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