The Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations, H.E. Dr. Rohan Perera and Permanent Representative of New Zealand to the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Craig John Hawke were special invitees at an event entitled “United Against Hate for the Protection of Houses of Worship and Religious Sites”, convened by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, held at Park East Synagogue in New York on April 29th 2019.
The event, which saw the participation of all religious faiths, made special reference to terrorist attacks during Passover near San Diego, California, at multiple churches on Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka, and at the Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Islamic Centre in Christchurch, New Zealand.
At the event, an agreement was signed between the Muslim World League and the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, with the purpose of enhancing the cooperation between their institutions; using interreligious cooperation as a platform for advancing peace, diversity and harmony; and elevating the level of advocacy for the protection of religious sites worldwide.
Addressing the gathering, Rabbi Arthur Schneier stated that he had addressed a letter to the President of the United States of America and other leaders of Congress calling for the setting up of a fund for the protection of places of worship.
In brief remarks, Ambassador Perera thanked the Appeal of Conscience Foundation for the initiative taken for the protection of houses of worship, and stated that the events of Easter Sunday in Sri Lanka had brought together all communities and faiths in the pursuit of common human values.
The event featured a brief performance of the song “Od Yavo Shalom Aleinu” by the students of the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School.
