DMARC Statement on Hostage Situation at Congregation Beth Israel

The Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) stands with the Jewish community of Colleyville, Texas, and with the wider Jewish community of Greater Des Moines, the state of Iowa, and the world. While we are relieved that all four hostages were physically unharmed, Saturday’s hostage situation at Congregation Beth Israel is just the latest example of the rising levels of antisemitism our nation is experiencing. No one should feel unsafe in practicing their faith or attending a house of worship.

DMARC condemns all acts of religious hatred and violence. From slurs and stereotypes, to vandalism and religious persecution, to murder and genocide, history shows us that when hatred against our fellow humans goes unchecked, the very worst can happen. We call on all the faith communities of Greater Des Moines to speak out against antisemitism and other ideologies of religious bigotry. We must stand together across the religious spectrum to respond to these incidents with love, as difficult as that may be.