We are shocked, outraged, and heartbroken by the killing of Yarón Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, a young couple who worked at the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC. Their lives were tragically cut short in what is the latest chapter in the story of surging antisemitism and anti-Israel violence globally – but also here in America. Ironically, their murder occurred following an event that brought young professionals together to discuss interfaith efforts to address humanitarian crises, including in Gaza. This act of terror and others like it undermine the very essence of democracy in America, where strong political disagreement is an honored tradition but never an excuse for violence. We call on leaders from every background and political persuasion to forcefully condemn this cold-blooded killing. Moreover, we call on them to think long and hard about the reality that, in a world full of countries with whom Americans could have strong – even passionate – disagreements, Israel, its citizens, and its supporters are relentlessly the ones under greatest attack and threat of violence. It is a clear indication of the antisemitism that continues to infect our societies. Where antisemitism rears its ugly head, other forms of hate and prejudice will quickly follow. Our prayers are with the families of Yarón and Sarah, and our hope is for the better, more peaceful world that they sought. (fb)

This month has been another deadly one for the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan. On May 11, a 71-year-old Ahmadi Muslim, Tahir Mahmood, died while in custody in Karachi. He had been unjustly imprisoned for the peaceful act of offering Friday prayers. Just last week, a prominent and highly respected doctor, Dr. Sheikh Muhammed Mahmood, was fatally shot while on duty at the hospital. As a well-known member of the Ahmadiyya community, Dr. Mahmood had previously received threats based on his religious beliefs. These two tragedies follow a surge in violence and persecution targeting Ahmadis. Too often in the past, attacks against this peaceful community have been met with indifference by the government of Pakistan. This environment of impunity has only fed the extremism and violence, exhibited in these recent horrendous incidents. We call on the government of Pakistan to respect the rule of law and its own constitutional protection of religious freedom. It must pursue the violent perpetrators of these crimes and hold them accountable, as well as take greater measures to protect its Ahmadi citizens. Moreover, the world must not stand by while the Ahmadis of Pakistan face ever growing threats to their freedom, basic human rights, and safety. We urge the international community to use the tools at its disposal, including sanctions, to hold accountable those who incite violence against innocent religious minorities in Pakistan. (fb)