The Rabbinical Council of America, the leading organization of orthodox rabbis in North America, mourns the loss of innocent lives in the massacre at Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque in New Zealand today. As members of a faith community, we condemn this act of senseless violence and hatred against other human beings.

Rabbi Elazar Muskin, president of the RCA, said, "Once again we have witnessed hate-filled attacks on innocent people, this time against Muslims at Friday prayer. As a global society we must do our all to eradicate the hate and ignorance that breed these outbursts of violence, We must commit to creating a society which respects and protects the divine image in which all are created. In pain and grief we extend our condolences to the kids families and communities of the victims.”