When European immigrants originally settled in Milwaukee, they built churches with soaring towers that you can still see throughout the city. But today, our community has more than 1,000 houses of worship of all denominations. You can find the ornate Basilica of St. Josaphat, the first African-American church in Wisconsin: St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, the Sikh Temple of Wisconsin, the oldest synagogue in Milwaukee: Congregation Emanu-El B'ne Jeshurun, and the Islamic Society of Milwaukee all no more than a 20 minute drive from downtown. Whether you’re at a cultural festival or driving through our residential neighborhoods, you’ll start to notice that deeply rooted religious traditions remain a part of who we are as a city today.
Donate NowINTERFAITH CONFERENCE OF GREATER MILWAUKEE STATEMENT ON THE ATTACK ON THE ISLAMIC CENTER OF SAN DIEGO (5/18/2026)
The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee unequivocally condemns the anti-Muslim attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego that occurred yesterday, May 18, 2026, and killed three people: a heroic security guard whose actions prevented the attackers from entering the Center and two staff members. At the time of the attack, there were 200 pre-school through third-grade aged children in the mosque, as well as staff and worshippers. The attack coincided with the beginning of the first 10 days of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, which culminates in the Islamic holiday of Eid-ul-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice). The 10 days are among the holiest days of the year for Muslims.
The Conference is still awaiting full confirmation on additional injuries and are praying that no further lives are lost. We thank emergency responders and law enforcement for swift action and rapid response to the shooting.
This attack did not occur in a vacuum. The Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Center for Security, Technology, and Policy has documented an eleven-fold increase in threats and attacks against American Muslims since January 2026. For years, an Islamophobia industry has portrayed Muslims as national threats. Law enforcement is investigating this shooting as a targeted hate crime. Early findings reportedly include anti-Islamic writings in the suspects’ vehicle, a suicide note referencing “racial pride”, and hate speech inscribed on the firearm used in the attack.
We also note the epidemic of violence and hate that has resulted in similar attacks in this country, including an attack on the Temple Israel synagogue in Michigan on March 13, 2026. Following that attack, we issued a statement that said in part, “Places of worship are for prayer and celebrating faith. Places of education are sacred, too, as they are meant for learning and reflection. While the motive of the attacker is still under investigation at the time that this statement was drafted, we state that places of worship and schools should never be a target for terror, murder, or violence. Nor should anyone ever fear for their safety while studying, teaching, or worshiping.”
The Interfaith Conference reaffirms our determination to speak out together against Islamophobia, antisemitism, and all forms of hate-fueled violence. Hate has no place in our communities. Let us recommit ourselves to building a society rooted in justice, compassion, and the shared human dignity that binds us all.
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