New Jersey Muslim, Jewish and Christian Groups Condemn Queens Shooting of Imam

A group of Jewish, Christian and Muslim interfaith groups in Central New Jersey offered their condolences Sunday to the two Muslims men who were shot dead in Queens this weekend. A Queens imam and his assistant were killed Saturday in a shooting in Ozone Park as they left a prayer service, but police say they have not determined a motive for the attack.

Groups behind the statement include the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge, Temple Beth El of Somerset, the Somerset Presbyterian Church and Fanwood Presbyterian Church. A statement released by the interfaith New Jersey group reads:

On behalf of a broad multi-faith coalition of more than 120 organizations throughout New Jersey, we are deeply saddened at the cold-blooded assassination yesterday of Imam Maulana Akonjee of the Al Furqan Jame Masjid in Queens New York and his assistant Mr. Thara Uddin who were wearing the traditional Muslim garments.

In this time of loss, we join our Muslim brothers and sisters in offering the traditional Islamic prayer: Inna lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji'un (2:156) "We surely belong to God and to Him we shall return” and remember the biblical assurance that "all people belong to God" whose presence is with those "who lie down with the dead." (Psalms 24:1 and 139:7)

We offer our heartfelt condolences to members of the Al Furqan Jame Masjid as well as to the immediate families of the victims. We pray that God give them strength and patience to bear this tragic loss. We invite all mosques, churches, synagogues and other faith-based organizations to join us in this statement of solidarity with the AlFuqan Jame Masjid and to remember the victims in their prayer services. Messages of condolence may be sent to Al Furaqan Jame Masjid, 76-18 Glenmore Ave #20, Queens, NY 11417 or posted it here: https://www.facebook.com/alfurqanjamemasjid/

We urge the NYPD to pursue the perpetrator of this heinous crime and investigate every motive, including hate, and bring the murderer to justice.