Schakowsky Statement on the Killing of 43 Ismailis

WASHINGTON, DC – “I was shocked to learn of the devastating attack that brutally and senselessly murdered 43 innocent Ismailis and wounded many others. They were attacked because of their religious beliefs by militants who are targeting anyone who doesn’t accept their view of Islam.

I have a significant and highly respected community of Ismailis within my Congressional District, and I work closely with them. For years I have participated in the Aga Khan Foundation Partnership Walk in Chicago, a walk that symbolizes the Ismaili community’s work to end global poverty, hunger, illiteracy and poor health around the world. My district is home to two of their houses of worship called Jamat Khana, one in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago and the other in Glenview, Illinois.

My heart goes out to the families of the murdered and injured, and to the community as a whole which is deeply shaken by this act of terror. I stand strongly with the Ismaili people, a peaceful people, and all those across the world who reject violence and intolerance. We must join together as a global community to do everything possible to keep these attacks from happening in the future.”