The following article was published The Toronto Star, and YorkRegion.com on Jan 18, 2022.
To the editor:
I am writing to you in regards to the recent attack on Beth Israel Synagogue in Texas to present the view of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, Newmarket Chapter.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, Newmarket Chapter, is extremely concerned about the events that unfolded yesterday at Beth Israel Synagogue in Texas. As Ahmadi Muslims, we categorically condemn the incident and appreciate the efforts of law enforcement officers who safely rescued the hostages.
Such attacks bring distress to communities, destroy peace of a society, and impact the world as a whole. There is no justification for these acts.
Islam means peace and the Holy Quran clearly states “that whosoever killed a person — unless it be for killing a person or for creating disorder in the land — it shall be as if he had killed all mankind.” (Chapter 5: Verse 33)
The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah Be His Helper) has explained on numerous occasions that Islam rejects all forms of terrorism and extremism and promotes love, harmony, and security for all mankind. We stand by the people who have gone through such a traumatic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been victimized and terrorized in any shape or form.
Salman Ahmad
External affairs secretary, AMYA Newmarket
