Jesuits' sterling work (2)

It is with disgust and disbelief that we have heard the news of the arson attacks on the Jesuit community's cars in Birkirkara and Msida.

This deplorable act is not merely 'yet another incident' but a consciously planned attack on all those who fight to promote social justice and tolerance and do their utmost to preserve the human dignity of those who, in desperation land on our shores.

We firmly condemn this and other cowardly acts which show how widespread racist and xenophobic trends are in our society. In reacting against statistics provided by the European Commission, the arsonists have simply proved the results. The comments posted on local far-right Websites are further evidence of this.

It is about time that the rising tides of racism sweeping our country are taken seriously tackled and stamped out. This is the responsibility of the local authorities, and it would be an escapist attitude to say that people have every right to express their hatred and ignorance in the guise of "opinion" and "the right to free speech".

Intolerance and hatred, left alone, only help to undermine the very basis of democracy in our country.