The University of Arizona Religious Studies Program’s Response to Vandalism of the Islamic Center of Tucson (ICT) and Threats to the Tucson Jewish Community Center (JCC)
A core mission of the Religious Studies Program at the University of Arizona is to foster deeper understanding of the complex religious traditions in our community and around the world. Numerous community organizations have served as resources for our students and faculty, including the Islamic Center of Tucson (ICT) and the Tucson Jewish Community Center (JCC).
In recent years, the ICT has been the target of repeated vandalism. We are grieved to learn of the most recent vandalism experienced by our friends at the ICT, including the desecration of copies of the Qur'an, the holy book for Muslims. Over the years, many of our students have visited the ICT in order to learn more about the religion of Islam. The people of the ICT have graciously welcomed our students and faculty, sharing their time and space with generosity and kindness. The larger Tucson community is now coming together to help support the ICT to enhance their security system.
We also denounce the recent waves of bomb threats to Jewish institutions throughout the United States, including recent threats to the Tucson JCC.
We encourage students and everyone in Tucson to engage in community and University events to learn more about the global, diverse religion of Islam, as well as the religious and cultural richness of Judaism and Jewish heritage.
Credits for images:
ICT Photo Credit: Twitter Photo/@TucsonNewsNow
JCC Photo Credit: https://www.tucsontopia.com/tucson-jewish-community-center/