WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. – Religious leaders across Metro Detroit united in their condemnation of the attack at a West Bloomfield temple.
On Thursday, March 19, Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard and leaders from Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities spoke at a press conference to address rising anti-Semitism, promote solidarity, and call for proactive action against hate.
---> West Bloomfield officer first on scene at Temple Israel attack speaks out
The press conference came a week after the attack. On March 12, a man drove a truck into Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township. After an exchange of gunfire with the temple’s security, he died at the scene.
One security officer was taken to a hospital after being struck by the truck.
No children or staff were injured. The FBI is leading the investigation and is considering the case as a targeted act of violence.
Anyone with photos or videos of the attack is urged to submit them through the FBI digital tip channel or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Tips can be made through the FBI website here.
Bouchard emphasized that anti-Semitism has become normalized in some settings and called on the public to call out hateful language before it escalates into violence.
“So we stand here today with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office because the fight can not be fought by the Jewish community alone,” said Rabbi Josh Bennett. “It’s not only a Jewish problem.”
Leaders from several faith communities spoke at the news conference to express solidarity and to urge broader community action against hate.
“Let us challenge anti-Semitism, confront Islamophobia, and replace fear with understanding. We are called to support one another, to build bridges of understanding, and to live together in peace and harmony,” said Imam Steve Mustapha Elturk, with the Islamic Organization of North America. “Our diversity is not a threat. It is a strength. Our shared humanity is greater than any force that seeks to tear us apart. Silence in the face of anti-Semitism or Islamophobia is complicity.”
Elturk said he condemned the attack immediately and cited Islamic teaching that all houses of worship deserve protection.
“We must speak out whenever and wherever we see hate, whether it’s in a synagogue or a mosque under threat, we show up for each other. Solidarity is our greatest weapon,” Elturk said.
Bouchard said the Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide security and assistance to places of worship.