Sacramento Religious Leaders Calling For Unity After Brussels Attack

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Religious leaders are hoping people can rise above the fear and rhetoric over terrorist attacks and come together.

In the busy Holy Week, just days before Christians around the world celebrate Easter, religious leaders from many denominations came together in Sacramento asking for prayers, and to express their solidarity.

"Such horrors only come from the heart of darkness," said Rev. Jaime Soto.

Just a day after ISIS took responsibility for the blasts at a Brussels airport and train station that killed dozens and injured others, there are concerns over a backlash.

"One hand, we get extremely frightened and scared and really heart broken when this happened, but on the other hand, but our community has to worry about backlash, hatred and resentment," said Imam Azeez.

The well-known Muslim leader in the greater Sacramento area says events like these immediately raise concerns.

"Women who wear hijab are worried about getting attacked, harassment choose to stay at home for a few days," he said.

Political rhetoric from Republican presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, including calling for patrols of Muslim neighborhoods, doesn't help.

"We play right into the hands of ISIS when we speak such rhetoric that divides our community," Azeez said. "I wish our leaders were more responsible."

Calling ISIS thugs, he says their actions go against everything Islam is about and is asking for unity.

It's something that leaders of all faiths in Sacramento are calling for, saying it's the most powerful statement we can send to ISIS.