Prominent Jewish Organizations Issue Open Solidarity Letter With Muslim Community Following San Diego Attack

"Attacks targeting houses of worship and schools strike at something fundamental, not only the safety of a particular community, but the basic promise of religious freedom and human dignity in this country."

NEW YORK, NY (05/20/2026) (readMedia)-- This morning, fifteen Jewish organizations across New York, organized by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, released an open letter to the Muslim community following Monday's deadly islamophobic attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego. In the letter, the signatories condemned violence targeting houses of worship and schools, and emphasized that such attacks threaten the fundamental rights to religious freedom and human dignity. The organizations also highlighted the shared experiences of antisemitism and islamophobia amid rising religious hate nationwide.

The letter comes one day after the New York Daily News reported that NYPD Hate Crimes detectives are investigating an attack on a man praying outside a mosque in Brooklyn.

Read the open letter below:

To our Muslim Friends in New York City, San Diego and Around the Country,

We mourn the victims of the horrific attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego, including the heroic security guard who reportedly gave his life protecting others.

No one should fear for their safety while gathering in prayer, community, or study. Attacks targeting houses of worship and schools strike at something fundamental, not only the safety of a particular community, but the basic promise of religious freedom and human dignity in this country.

The Jewish community knows, painfully, what it means when violence and hatred enter sacred spaces. That experience deepens our sorrow and solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters at this difficult moment.

The Talmud teaches: "Whoever destroys a single soul, it is as if they had destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a single soul, it is as if they had saved an entire world." In San Diego, innocent worlds were destroyed, and we grieve each one. We also hold in our hearts the courage of those who acted to protect others.

We extend our condolences to the families of those killed, to the San Diego Muslim community, and to all those grieving this terrible loss. We pray for healing for the wounded, comfort for the mourners, and strength for a community facing heartbreak no community should have to endure.

With Respect,

Jewish Community Relations Council of New York

UJA-Federation of New York

JCC Canarsie/Mill Basin

Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island

Zioness Movement

B'nai B'rith International

Boro Park Jewish Community Council

Kings Bay Y

ADL New York/New Jersey

National Council of Young Israel

AJC New York

The Workers Circle

Shorefront YM-YWHA of Brighton-Manhattan Beach, Inc

The New York Board of Rabbis

Simon Wiesenthal Center