Message from President Bacow to Imam Khalil Abdur-Rashid, University Muslim Chaplain, March 15, 2019, 5:58am EST
Dear Khalil,
The horrific shootings at the mosque in Christchurch shock the conscience. Once again, peaceful people who only seek to pray in a house of worship have been gunned down by those who are motivated only by hate. This heinous act is not just an offense against Islam, it is an offense against all people of faith.
At times like this we are called upon to comprehend the incomprehensible. Whether something like this occurs at a church in South Carolina, a synagogue in Pittsburgh or a mosque in New Zealand, acts of hate and violence touch us all. Such acts make us feel fragile and vulnerable. At times like this we must come together to support each other.
I suspect our Muslim community will gather in prayer to remember those whose lives were lost. Unfortunately, I leave today for a trip to Asia so I cannot be with you in person but I am with you in spirit. Please extend to those who gather my heartfelt condolences and solidarity. Harvard stands with all of you.
Sincerely,
Larry