As individuals, organizations and communities committed to peace, we grieve the loss and suffering which has shattered so much for so many. Our hopes and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones and those who fear further casualties.
We fully condemn the acts of mass murder which can not be justified in any way.
As we continue to absorb the full horror of the catastrophe, however, let us be mindful of the new catastrophes we can so easily create if we are not vigilant against our own capacities to hate, blame or attack. We urge the public, the media and law enforcement personnel to resist the rush to judgment. We ask that feelings of anger and helplessness and calls for revenge not be used to justify profiling or harassment based on skin color, religious or ethnic origin.
We call on the U.S. government to refrain from retaliation - either domestic or foreign - that would put innocent civilians at risk and escalate the cycle of deadly violence. We are opposed to the use of military and economic aggression which targets countries and peoples to apprehend the few who are culpable. Those responsible should be brought to justice by legal means and through judicial process in the courts.
As a country, we need to decide that we will not go to war, whatever reason or rhetoric is offered by the politicians or the media. War in our time and in this context is indiscriminate, a war against innocents and against children. Further militarization or restrictions of our society will also have dire consequences on human rights and civil liberties at home. We can not be secure by limiting our liberties, as some of our political leaders are demanding, but only by expanding them.
We take our example not from the military and political leaders calling for "retaliation" and "war" but from the health workers, and firefighters and volunteers who have been saving lives in the midst of mayhem whose actions are not violent but healing, not vengeful but compassionate.
We need to understand the root causes of the violence directed against the U.S. and dedicate our efforts to policies which direct our dollars and support for human needs, peace and justice, not weaponry and repression. More strongly than ever, we believe in peace and democratic processes as the way forward. We stand with those around the globe committed to justice, peace and the recognition of human dignity for all.
Sponsored by representatives from: Alliance for a Democratic and Secular South Asia, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Boston Coalition for Palestinian Rights, Boston Mobilization, Boston Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), Cambridge Peace Commission, CPPAX, Grassroots International, Jewish Women for Justice in Israel/Palestine, Massachusetts Peace Action, VISIONS for Peace with Justice in Israel/Palestine, Women's Action for New Directions (WAND), World Federalists of New England