We, Members of Peace Islands Institute are truly shocked and appalled by the news that just came regarding the explosions near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. We express our condolences for the families and loved ones of the three victims and at least 150 injured from the explosions.
Peace Islands Institute condemns in the strongest terms this tragic event. We stand with the people of Boston. We have no doubt that those who are responsible for this horrific attack will not escape the necessary justice.
Once again we offer our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives and our thoughts and prayers go out to all those injured.
Sincerely,
Peace Islands Institute
April 17, 2013
Statement from Fethullah Gulen Condemning Boston Marathon Attack
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic bomb attack at the Boston Marathon that cost the lives of innocent
people and injured many more. I express my absolute condemnation of this senseless act of violence
that accomplished nothing more than the infliction of unbearable pain on innocent people.
I send my sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and my prayers for a
speedy recovery of the injured.
On this sad occasion, I reiterate my condemnation of all forms of terror, which can never be justified by
its perpetrators or their stated purposes. I hope that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice
and steps will be taken to prevent such horrific acts in the future. In difficult times such as this, I believe
we must reaffirm our shared values of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect.”
About Fethullah Gulen
Fethullah Gulen is an Islamic scholar, preacher and social advocate, whose decades-long commitment to
interfaith tolerance and altruism has inspired millions in Turkey and around the world. Described as one
of the world’s most important Muslim figures, Gulen has reinterpreted aspects of Islamic tradition to
meet the needs of contemporary Muslims. He has dedicated his life to interfaith and intercultural
dialogue, community service and providing access to education. He was the first influential Muslim
public figure to publicly condemn the 9/11 attacks and express sympathy for the American people.
About Alliance for Shared Values
The Alliance for Shared Values is a non-profit organization serving as a centralized platform for
collaboration and a unifying voice for cultural, civic, and service organizations associated with the
Hizmet social movement in the United States.