21 March 2019
Following Friday’s heinous terrorist attack on two Christchurch mosques, the New Zealand Jewish community has been
overwhelmed by enquiries and offers of financial support from its members, as well as overseas Jewish organisations and
individuals. This includes the Pittsburgh Jewish community whose synagogue was attacked by a white supremacist in
October last year, for whom the Muslim community raised over US$200,000.
Together with Rabbis from Auckland and Wellington, Auckland-based NZ Jewish Council spokesperson Juliet Moses visited
Christchurch on Tuesday to convey Jewish sympathy and support towards the Muslim community devastated by the massacre
and ascertain how the Council could best assist those families affected.
Moses said: “The focus right now is of course on the burial of loved ones, and dealing with the immediate aftermath of
the trauma. The New Zealand Jewish Council is committed to consulting and working with the Muslim community to ascertain
their immediate and longer-term needs and how we can assist. We have begun that dialogue, but in the fullness of time we
will have a better understanding of where we can best channel our funds.
We are well aware that the implications of the massacre for the families affected and the broader Muslim community will
last a very long time, as will the need for support. One idea, given that both Islam and Judaism place a high value on
education, is to assist with the educational needs of children affected. However, it will ultimately be over to the
discretion of the Muslim community.”
Those who wish to donate can make a deposit directly into the bank account of the Auckland Jewish Council, a registered
charity.
01-0129-0068508-00
Please include:
“Christchurch” in Particulars
“Your name” in Reference
New Zealand donations of $5.00 or more are eligible for a tax rebate.
To get emailed a tax receipt please email christchurch@ajc.org.nz giving your name, donation amount, and the date the deposit was made.
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