“The United States must stand firmly with the people of Israel in their fight against Hamas’ terrorism. No nation would be expected to tolerate constant rocket attacks against its civilians, and I unequivocally support Israel’s right to defend itself and to protect its men, women, and children from further attacks. I have voted multiple times to fully fund Israel’s highly-effective and life–saving Iron Dome and will continue to vote for the program.
U.S. Congressman Andy Barr
Kentucky’s 6th District
Lexington, KY
July 9, 2014
Dear Matt,
When I saw you the other day I had not yet learned of the horrible murder of the three Israeli boys or the horrible reprisal murder of the Palestinian youth.
Many of us in the Islamic community are devastated by the loss of all of these innocent children, and we condemn violence aimed at innocent children no matter where it comes from.
I understand that at last week’s memorial service for the Israeli boys, everyone who spoke went out of their way to not only condemn the violence aimed at the Israelis, but also that aimed at the Palestinian. I find that deeply moving, and I share in your outrage and grief. Unfortunately, through an email problem, I was unaware of the memorial service until after it occurred. Please know that if I had known about it, I would have attended and brought a number of friends.
I want you to know, as well, that many of us hope for and call for a swift end to the escalating violence in Gaza and Israel.
Please feel free to share these comments with my friends and colleagues in the Jewish community.
Regards,
Babar
Editor’s Note: Dr. Muhammad Babar, a leader in American Physicians of Pakistani Descent in Kentucky and Indiana (APPKI) sent this letter to Matt Goldberg, the director of the Jewish Community Relations Council.
July 9, 2014
I am a board member of Interfaith Paths to Peace and Terry Taylor has given me your email, so that I can express my opinion and regrets of the latest incidents in the Middle East.
On behalf of Independence Muslims of Louisville, we strongly condemn the violent behavior directed to the Israeli and Palestinian teenagers. They are all innocent children of the Abrahamic Faith, caught in the middle of radical extremists, who unfortunately are using our faiths to portray their cruel behavior. I hope we can take these unfortunate incidents and work together towards a stronger peace and justice climate for all of us, specially our future generation.
God knows that they need it!
Peace and Prayers,
Haleh Karimi
Independent Muslims of Louisville