TUNESS, a non-political and non-religious Association of Tunisians in North America, is extremely saddened by the unfolding events throughout the Arab world. TUNESS takes this opportunity to firmly express its unequivocal condemnation of all acts of violence that were aimed at the US embassy and the American School in Tunis, and all those targeting US and Western embassies throughout the World.
While TUNESS strongly rejects any anti-Islam acts of any nature that can demonize the prophet Muhammad and finds it to be undoubtedly extremely offensive, hurting, and disrespectful not only to Muslims but to people of all faiths, TUNESS continues to believe that there should be no justification for any violent reactions and urge the local authorities to bring to justice all the perpetrators of the attacks.
TUNESS stands firm by all those who in both countries, Tunisia and the United States, have deeply regretted the vicious misuse by some malicious people of the freedom of speech to spread their hatred, racism, and bigotry. In this respect, TUNESS would like to reiterate its support for the right of Muslims and non-Muslims throughout the world to peacefully protest against such a provocation and to express their deep repulsion of any act directed against their religion. TUNESS takes this opportunity to recall that the protests in Tunisia started as peaceful demonstrations but were high-jacked by a small minority of ill-intended individuals who took advantage of the inadequate security around the embassy to carry out their acts of violence. This violent minority, by no means, represents the vast majority of Tunisians and Muslims around the world.
Finally, we would like to emphasize that since its inception, TUNESS has always been a strong advocate of peaceful exchange of ideas and its members have restlessly worked to bridge the gap between the two societies. The association was created in the aftermath of the Tunisian peaceful revolution because we believed that a new page should be written in the book of our country’s history. Today, despite some unfortunate events that took place in our country over the last 18 months, we feel more than ever before determined to support our country by drawing from all the universal values upon which the American society was built over the last two centuries; Freedom, Justice, and Equality
Respectfully,
TUNESS Members.