Borough President Vito Fossella, Faith Leaders, Elected Officials Condemn Radicalization That Leads To Violence

Borough President Vito Fossella was joined by faith leaders, members of law enforcement, and his fellow elected officials to condemn an alarming trend of radicalization leading to acts of violence.

The united front came in response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year's Day that was motivated by radicalization and resulted in the deaths of 14 people and left 34 people injured.

“There are a lot of things we can do -- we can do nothing, we can look in horror, we can look away, we can turn the page, but we thought what we could do here today in Staten Island is to join together as a community and say there is no room for individuals who become so-called radicalized that they can destroy innocent lives,” said Borough President Fossella at a press conference in Borough Hall. “That’s not what this place is about, that’s not what this country is about. So, we reached out to some of the faith leaders to spread that message of hope and peace and love and not one of evil and darkness.”

The faith leaders in attendance represented the Islamic, Hindu, Baptist, Christian, and Jewish communities.

​“Hate can only have a home if we are silent," said Mendy Mirocznik, president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island. “Nowhere in America should such hate exist. Our prayer is that all those who harbor hate, bigotry, or hold fear or anger in their hearts, should recognize the error in their ways and transform the negativity into positivity to help make this world a better place."