ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Islamic Relief USA (IRUSA), a nonprofit humanitarian and development organization, issued the following statement regarding the tragic shooting at Islamic Center of San Diego (ICSD) and on-site school, Bright Horizon Academy (BHA).
“Islamic Relief USA is deeply saddened to hear about the tragic attack at the Islamic Center of San Diego that resulted in the deaths of several people, including a security officer. While the case remains under investigation, IRUSA believes religious tolerance must remain a cornerstone of our nation. Islamophobia and hate crimes have no place in a civil society. A threat to one house of worship is a threat to all congregations. Communities of all faiths must come together in solidarity and provide a sense of security. We pray for healing, patience, and resilience during this tragedy for our brothers and sisters who are part of the ICSD community, and faith communities at-large. We hope ICSD’s pleas for greater security and safety are acted upon.”
IRUSA is working to coordinate with the ICSD to determine how to best support the community and the loved ones of those who have been harmed.
Additionally, IRUSA is mobilizing to deploy trained chaplains to the ICSD community. Our team — trained in emotional and spiritual care — is coordinating efforts to support individuals and families as they begin to cope with this loss. We recognize that healing from a tragedy like this is a long-term process, and we are committed to being there for the ICSD community every step of the way.
At this time, IRUSA is equipped with what it needs to support this event both financially and logistically, and is not seeking financial donations.
IRUSA has a long history of providing emergency support and has responded to several major disasters in the United States, providing humanitarian aid, financial assistance, and psychosocial support to impacted communities and affected families.
For individuals interested in learning more about becoming a volunteer with IRUSA, please visit irusa.org/volunteer/.
MEDIA CONTACT
Syed M. Hassan
[email protected]
(571) 421-7032
Islamic Relief USA, based in Alexandria, Va., is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) humanitarian organization. Its mission is to provide relief and development in a dignified manner regardless of gender, race, or religion, and works to empower individuals in their communities and give them a voice in the world. Its programs benefit millions of people each year in more than 40 countries around the world, including in the United States.
Islamic Relief USA meets all of the Standards for Charity Accountability of the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, a national charity monitoring group affiliated with the Better Business Bureau system. Islamic Relief USA is on the U.S. government’s Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charity list, and it is also a signatory to the code of conduct of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.