Just got this in my e-mail ... apologetic but nicely written
A Statement by the Somali Community in the UK
03/08/05
Following the terrible events of 7/7 and 21/7, the Somali community having mobilised and deliberated, re-affirm our unanimous condemnation of these terrorist atrocities.
We are indeed deeply shocked and deeply concerned for the safety and well being of our community.
We re-affirm that Islam condemns such acts of violence and we totally dissociates ourselves from the culprits who carried out these attacks
These attacks targeted all sections of London's communities; people of every race, faith and creed have been affected including Muslims and Somalis.
As much as we share the frustration and hurt of Muslims worldwide feel as a result of the British Government’s foreign policy, we believe that there is no justification, whatsoever, for the indiscriminate killing of innocent people.
We are particularly saddened by the fact that London’s enlightened and well informed inhabitants, who have marched in their millions against the war on Iraq, should suffer such mindless atrocities under any pretext.
The few misguided individuals who perpetrated these terrorist acts have indeed greatly undermined the cause they claim to be killing and dying for and the effective democratic process pursued by the British public in regards to the Iraqi controversy. Islam and our own Somali culture do not condone unlawful killing and it is wrong to imply so in any form.
We are also disappointed and angry at the misleading and Islamophobic coverage of the media. The ethnic origins of the bombers and would-be-bombers may be a matter of detail, but for the communities that have been ‘marked’ by the media’s hate-fuelling finger-pointing, living a normal life is leading to hiding out of fear: fear of the bombs as well as fear of reprisals.
The Somali community is aware that only the alleged Warren Street would-be-bomber is rumoured to be an ethnic Somali. Yet no one in the Somali community seems to have known him personally for the past 5 to 10 years; this in a community where clan links are very strong. It is also now clear that he was in fact raised in this country from the age of 12 by British foster parents. The Somali community has no reason to believe any other detainee is of Somali origin.
We strongly oppose the manner in which these terrible crimes are being sensationalized. We are being victimized and made scapegoats for the actions of one individual. Neither the Somali Community nor any other community should be blamed for the criminal actions of the few.
The Somali community has suffered a great deal in the backlash that has followed the attacks. This is a community that is already suffering from racism, discrimination, Islamophobia and hostility generated by the hysteria about immigration and asylum.
Certain newspapers’ deliberate misinformation campaign of racist and sectarian abuse directed at the Somali community has resulted in a manifold increase in the number of racist assaults and abuse hurled at members of our community, especially women in Islamic costume.
We fear this unhealthy atmosphere created will undermine greatly the good race relations we are all entitled to enjoy in London and the UK as a whole.
We trust the media will condemn this and report objectively and accurately so as to avoid further damage to our peaceful community relations.
The overwhelming majority of Somalis and Muslims are law abiding and contribute enormously to Britain's economic success. Somalis have lived and worked in cities such as Cardiff, Liverpool and Greater London since the 1850s. Somalis have contributed to the sacrifices of WW1 and WWII, and also served with distinction in the Royal Navy and in the Burma campaigns. Our peaceful and participatory history in Britain therefore is long standing.
Britain’s long and historic relationship with the Muslim world should not be allowed to be damaged by the ill-advised few, whoever they maybe.
In that spirit, the Somali community will co-operate, fully and sincerely, with the police and other security services to safeguard our common purpose and our collective safety.
We call upon all communities, the host communities of Britain, the African, Caribbean and Asian communities, as well as the religious and non-religious groups, to show solidarity and support not only for victims of these atrocities but for all communities who have suffered as a result of these terrorist acts. We are all equally affected by this indiscriminate violence.
We must stand together and reject any form of extremism but we must also work for the greater good and create a fairer and more tolerant society.
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