We are still overcome with grief and heartbreak at the unconscionable act of terror during morning prayers at the #TreeOfLifeSynagogue in PittsburghWe are sending our love and strength to the families, the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community, May their memories be a blessing.
This is a moment when we are all called — Jews and allies — to gather together in community, to mourn, to share our sadness and our outrage. Tonight at vigils across the country, Jewish communities and allies will light Havdallah candles and mark the end of Shabbat.
This is also a moment when we must call on all Americans of conscience to see with clear eyes that the political violence targeting our communities, driven by antisemitism and racism, has become normalized in our social and political life.
Today’s attack comes after weeks of escalated conspiracy theories and rhetoric scapegoating Jewish people, including philanthropist George Soros, which have been driven by candidates for office, the Republican Party, and the President in campaign ads and rallies.
These expressions of hate are not new in our society, but now they are legitimized by a powerful platform. The mainstreaming of white nationalism in American politics means that our nation is ripe for the violence we've witnessed today and throughout the Trump presidency.
This charged environment is directed not only against Jews, but also against immigrants, Muslim people, people of color, LGBTQ people, and all other communities under threat in this political environment. Today, we saw these trends culminate and our worst fears realized.
This violence must end. Americans, Jewish and otherwise, must no longer be forced to live in fear for their lives. And we must unite to build a country where we are all safe and protected.
