CORE Forum expresses concern over hate crimes targeting religious minorities. The events of last weekend demonstrate that determined action is needed to combat racism. CORE Forum condemns all forms of violence, vandalism, and hate speech directed at any religion.
The night before Friday in Lieto, Southwest Finland, an attack was carried out on a property acquired by an Islamic community.
On Saturday, during the Jewish Sabbath, a hostile demonstration targeted the Jewish community in Helsinki, and antisemitic stickers were placed around the synagogue.
The racist symbols and texts spray-painted on the wall of the Muslim premises, along with the antisemitic accusations heard at the synagogue, reflect a disturbing trend of increasing hatred directed at religious minorities.
The board of CORE Forum strongly condemns the hatred, vandalism, and violence directed at both the Islamic and Jewish communities. The Forum calls on political leaders and authorities to take determined action against hate crimes targeting religious communities.
CORE Forum and all its member communities are committed to building a safer and more tolerant Finland.
At the same time as the attack against the Muslim community and the hate speech against the Jewish community occurred, the board and members of the international interfaith dialogue organization Religions for Peace Europe, as well as the Secretary General of Religions for Peace International, Francis Kuria, were gathered in Finland. CORE Forum – Religions for Peace Finland is part of the international Religions for Peace network.
Religions for Peace Europe, Religions for Peace International, and CORE Forum jointly condemn all violence, vandalism, and hate speech directed at any religion.
CORE Forum Board:
Pavlos Ylinen, Central Council of Jewish Communities in Finland
Gölten Bedretdin, The Finnish-Islamic Congregation
Timo Koponen, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Laura Huovinen, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Laura Häkli, Ecumenical Council of Finland
Jyri Komulainen, Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland
Gurmann Saini, The Finnish Hindu Forum
Tatu Kuivalahti, The Buddhist Union of Finland
Safa Hovinen, The Bahá’í Community of Finland
Ataul Ghalib, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Finland
Katri Kuusikallio, Executive Director
Sharmarke Said Aw-Musse, Islam Specialist in the Board’s cooperation
