FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

July 28^th, 2006: The Pakistani American Association of Connecticut (PAACT) condemns the attack by an individual claiming to be an American Muslim on the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle. These murderous actions of the individual have led to death of one individual has caused serious injuries to multiple other people.

We condemn this senseless attack on any place, let alone a religious and community institution and offer sincere condolences to the loved ones of those killed and injured. We must do whatever is in our power prevent the current conflict in the Middle East from being transplanted to our country. We actually foresee the good friendship that the Pakistani Americans and American Muslims enjoy with Jewish Americans to help build an important lasting relationship which would serve as a mechanism to spread peace in the Middle east, rather than the other way round.

While international conflicts do lead to anger and despair amongst people, we must unite together to ask all people to stop hate speeches at all times which may lead to hate based actions. We must exercise zero tolerance for anyone propagating hate based activities.

We also urge local, state and national law enforcement authorities to step up security measures at synagogues, mosques and other religious institutions of both faiths at this time.