REACTION TO THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE U.S.

UCCLA statement on U.S. tragedy

Below is the text of a statement from the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association (Toronto/Calgary) released on September 13.

We mourn the tragedy that has befallen citizens of the United States of America.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001, will live on in infamy.

America is a beacon of freedom, a democracy unlike any other. Murderous attacks against its citizens are appalling and dishonorable. The perpetrators of this crime must be found and punished. But the crimes committed in the U.S.A. this week were those of individuals and not representative of any particular ethnic, religious or racial group. Those citizens who live amongst us and are of the Islamic faith, or of Arab, Palestinian or any other Middle Eastern origin or heritage, are not collectively responsible for the brutal and repugnant behavior of the terrorists.

Let the guilty individuals be pursued, if necessary to the ends of the earth, with no safe refuge. Let those who give them shelter or succor be punished as well. But let us not succumb to anger and target innocent people for the wrongs done by those who falsely profess to speak in their name.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, September 30, 2001, No. 39, Vol. LXIX

| Home Page |