Jewish world reacts to Pittsburgh synagogue murders

SAN DIEGO (SDJW) — As news of the deadly assault on the Tree of Life/ Or L’Shalom Synagogue in the Squirrel Hill section of Pittsburgh were broadcast and cablecast around the country, various Jewish organizations issued statements in response.

At last report, there were at least 11 people killed and six others wounded, including four police officers,  by a single intruder who was identified as Robert Bowers, 46, and described as a white supremacist who shouted “Jews must die” during the killing spree in which he utilized a semi-automatic weapon.  The gunman was wounded by police and subsequently surrendered.

Here, in alphabetical order,  are comments from Jewish organizations, sent by email to San Diego Jewish World.

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) –“We are appalled by the horrific anti-Semitic attack on the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. We mourn for the precious lives that were lost and we pray for the recovery of those who were wounded by the demented gunman. We salute the courage of the law enforcement officers and other first responders who prevented the further loss of life. Sadly, today’s slaughter does not stand alone as representing the scourge of anti-Semitism. Throughout the world, we are witnessing the alarming rise of hatred directed against Jews and Jewish institutions. All good people must unite against this deeply disturbing trend. While we mourn today, we must work tomorrow and every day against this senseless hatred and violence.
Our prayers are with the victims and their families and the congregants of the Tree of Life Synagogue.”

American Jewish Committee, CEO David Harris: “The sanctity of the Sabbath was shattered today, a solemn reminder that we Jews, even in the U.S., must be constantly vigilant. We mourn with the families of the victims, pray for the full and speedy recovery of the wounded, and stand in solidarity with the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community. The assailant reportedly had expressed on social media his rage against  National Refugee Shabbat, a HIAS event of which AJC is a cosponsor, only hours before he arrived at the synagogue and yelled his intention to kill Jews during the attack. Incidents targeting Jews constitute the majority of religiously-based hate crimes in the U.S., according to the FBI, even as Jews constitute no more than two percent of the American population.

“The callousness of a bigoted individual intent on destroying innocent lives in a house of worship should unite Americans in anger and determination to confront the toxic hatred and extremism in our country. We call on political, religious, and civic leaders of all persuasions to join in issuing a clarion call for moderation and civility in our national discourse, for far more sustained attention to the repeated outbreaks of deadly mass shootings afflicting our country, and for concrete actions to identify and confront the violent anti-Semites and other purveyors of hate who continue to lurk in American society.”

American Jewish Congress, President Jack Rosen  “Today, over 8 people lost their lives at the horrible shooting in Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue. The American Jewish Congress strongly condemns the acts of terrorism and hate against our community. Attacking innocent civilians in their place of worship, when they are congregating to practice their faith, is a cowardly and dreadful crime of hate. During these terrible times, we stand even stronger against Anti-Semitism, white supremacy and intimidation. Our hearts go out to the people that were hurt and their families and loved ones, and we mourn the loss of multiple members of our community. We strongly reject divisiveness and hatefulness, and we urge America to stand together for unity, peace and freedom.”

Americans for Peace Now: “Americans for Peace Now (APN) is devastated and outraged by the mass shooting murder at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life congregation. We offer heartfelt condolences to the families whose loved ones were killed and wish full recovery to those injured. This mass shooting is likely the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in US history, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). As an American Jewish organization, APN is extremely concerned by rising anti-Semitism in the US and worldwide.

Anti-Semitism is in many instances agitated, or winked at, by political leaders. We call on fellow Americans, particularly those in the public sphere, to denounce hate speech and incitement against Jews and all groups of people. The perpetrator of this attack must be punished in accordance with the law. Leaders who have engaged in anti-Semitic provocation should be held accountable.”

Bend the Arc, CEO Stosh Cotler — “We are overcome with grief and heartbreak at the unconscionable act of terror during morning prayers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh today. We are sending our condolences, our love, our strength and our support to the victims, their families, the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community, and all who are in tears. May the memories of those murdered be a blessing.This is a moment when we are all called — Jews and allies — to gather together in community, to mourn, to hold each other, to share our sadness and our outrage. Tonight at vigils across the country, Jewish communities and allies will light the Havdallah candles that 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, arms of the Republican Party, and the President of the United States in campaign ads and at rallies. These expressions of hate are not new in our society, but rarely have they been legitimized by such a powerful and visible platform. The mainstreaming of white nationalism in American politics means that our nation is ripe for the type of violence we have witnessed today, this week 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.”

Chabad of East County, Rabbi Rafi Andrusier: “We are heartbroken and pained by the horrific attack that took place on our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh. This is an attack on all of us, and we grieve with the families who have lost loved ones and pray for the recovery of those who are injured. The Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—often reminded us of the biblical verse “and the living shall take to heart.” Alongside the natural mourning and grief, there is a need to focus on things that will result in action and positive change.

Here are some suggestions:

• Increase in unity. The attacker harbored senseless hatred towards Jewish people. We must increase our love for every one of our people. We are all one family. This is the time for each of us to reach out to someone we haven’t gotten along with or haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Show Jewish pride. Especially at this time, we must show everyone that we are proud of our Jewish identity. Let’s affix mezuzahs on our doorposts; wear our kippahs proudly. We are proud of our Judaism!
• Add a mitzvah in memory of the victims. Whether wrapping tefillin, lighting Shabbat candles or any other mitzvah, let’s each add one more act to our routine and dedicate it to the memory of those ruthlessly killed.
• Come to synagogue. Even if we haven’t done so regularly, let’s attend synagogue together and show the world that our synagogues are filled with vibrancy, love and life.

Let us pray that G-d send healing and comfort to the grieving families. We pray for the day when all evil and hatred will vanish from the world, with the coming of Moshiach, speedily in our days.In the merit of our collective mitzvot, may we each bring much comfort and peace at this extraordinarily challenging time.

Chabad of La Costa, Rabbi Yeruchem Eilfort:  The horrible attack against the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh is a painful reminder that the disease of anti-Semitism is still very much alive, even here in our beloved United States. Whenever innocents are murdered it is a sad day. When those innocents are our Jewish brothers and sisters it makes it even harder to bear. As far as I can tell we have two choices as to how we react. We can start the finger-pointing and blame game, or we can try to come together as one. We come together as one by focusing on what we have in common, a G-dly spark, called a soul, rather than what divides us, our physical bodies and its attendant animalistic appetites and tendencies.

“As for me I choose the former and I hope you will join me in this choice. Even though it is election season let’s put the politics aside for a bit and focus instead on the King of Kings, our Father in Heaven and on building our love and appreciation for each other. The greatest ‘revenge’ we can accomplish is filling our shul with G-d’s children (you and me!) this coming Shabbat. Please, join us here in a show of devotion to the Almighty and support for the Jewish community of Pittsburgh. The Talmud tells us that “Action is the main thing!” It is a time for action.

“I would also like to share with everyone that we take the safety of the community very seriously. We have had professional law enforcement and trained security professionals assess our center and we have implemented their suggestions. Additionally, we were just notified that we have been awarded the Homeland Security Grant, and so we will be further enhancing numerous security features. Wishing comfort to the mourners at this difficult time. May the Almighty comfort them, and all of us, amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem!”

Israel-American Council, CEO Shoham Nicolet and National Chairman Adam Milstein:  “The Israeli-American Council is horrified by the tragic news this morning of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where innocent people were murdered in cold blood and others were injured, including numerous police officers.

“Our community mourns the loss of our brothers and sisters who were savagely killed on a Shabbat morning simply because they were Jews, and as they were praying together and celebrating the arrival of a newborn to the community. Our prayers go out to the fallen loved ones and to the injured.

“Today’s events are yet another reminder that the age-old evil of anti-Semitism remains a uniquely dangerous and destructive force in our world. Slaughtering Jews whether they are worshipping at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, shopping at a Kosher supermarket in Paris, or walking on the streets of Jerusalem is just the extreme manifestation of this ongoing scourge. We must remain united and vigilant against this heinous evil and fight it wherever it rears its ugly head.

“We are all one Jewish family. At difficult moments like this, Jews of all denominations and political leanings must come together to provide comfort, healing, and strength to each other. The IAC is committed to lead these efforts in our communities from coast to coast. We will continue our fight against hate and anti-Semitism. We thank the law enforcement community that rushed to the synagogue and stopped this horrific attack.”

Jewish Council for Public Affairs, CEO David Bernstein — “We are very close to the Pittsburgh Jewish community, and are horrified by this atrocity. We express our profound condolences to the families of those killed, and our wishes for a speedy recovery to those wounded. We commend law enforcement for their reported quick and decisive response, and are disheartened that police officers were shot in the line of duty. The assault is a direct attack on Judaism and America’s Jews. It represents the single most violent incident against  Jewish Americans in the history of the United States. This anti-Semitic hate crime is a sad reminder of our continued need to fight hate in every quarter and with every means.”

Jewish Federation of San Diego County, Board Chair Brian Tauber and President and CEO Michael Jeser — “Today, a lone gunman entered a synagogue on Shabbat in Pittsburgh and ruthlessly opened fire, murdering 11 innocent people, simply because they were Jewish. An attack on one community is an attack on us all. Our hearts are with the entire Pittsburgh Jewish community, and we stand ready to assist them in any manner possible. We will continue to update the community as we determine what assistance we can provide in the days ahead. Our partners at the Jewish Federations of North America and SCN, the Secure Community Network, are in close contact with the local community as well as the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI. Our own San Diego ADL office is in close contact with the San Diego Police Department to ensure adequate and appropriate security measures are in place for our own community. The Pittsburgh Jewish community confronts a very difficult time. We will let them know that they are not alone. May the memories of those whose lives were lost be a blessing to all.”

Jewish Gen., Bruce C. Ratner, Chairman and Michael S. Glickman, President & CEO— “More light. More life.  These are the words borne on the emblem of the Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation in Pittsburgh, PA. They stand for that Jewish community’s daily mission and work, mode of worship, hope for the world, and rallying cry. This Shabbat morning, the Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation suffered an anti-Semitic act of terror in which eleven people were murdered, and many more people were hurt in ways apparent and deep. The community of JewishGen and the Museum of Jewish Heritage — A Living Memorial to the Holocaust mourn those who were lost. We offer support to those hurt and grieving and wish a full recovery for those congregants and police officers injured. We stand by a Jewish community whose sense of security was shattered in a sacred space. ​In doing this, we take up the words of the Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation itself. May these words guide all of us in our responsibility to repair our world. More light. More life.”

Maccabee Task Force, Executive Director David Brog — “The Maccabee Task Force is appalled by the tragic news of the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, where eleven worshippers were murdered and many others were injured. Our prayers go out to the victim’s loved ones and to those recovering from this attack. We grieve with Pittsburgh and the entire nation. This horrific attack is yet another example of the danger of anti-Semitism. This baseless hatred is the mother of the violence we saw today and have witnessed throughout Jewish history. We must have zero tolerance for anti-Semitic speech and anti-Semitic acts whether they target individual Jews or the Jewish state. We must respond to every anti-Semitic outburst in our communities and on our campuses as if lives are at stake. They clearly are.”

Network of Jewish Human Health Service Agencies, Board Chair Perry Ohren and President Reuben D. Rotman — “The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies is devastated by the unspeakable loss of eleven lives in today’s hate filled shooting at Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue. We send our condolences to those who have lost loved ones, and send our wishes for strength to those who will work with this community in the coming days, months and years as they find their way through the trauma and suffering. The Network joins with its member agencies throughout the US, in Canada and in Israel in support of our colleagues at JFCS Pittsburgh. Our hearts are with them as they work to support, to strengthen and to mourn with their community. This senseless tragedy has shaken those who work each day in care of the human service needs of communities world-wide. We offer our hope that those who lost loved ones or suffered injuries resulting from the shooting will be comforted in their grief.  We affirm our conviction that hate has no place in this world, and are proud that the member agencies of the Network will continue their critical work of bringing hope and health to all communities.”

Rambam Health Care Center (Haifa, Israel), CEO Rafi Bayar — “On behalf of the entire Rambam family, in Israel and around the globe, I want to express our shock and sadness at the tragic murder of worshippers gathered for Shabbat services at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. This horrific event is the latest act of anti-Semitic violence carried out in places across the globe, senseless and hate-filled  acts targeting Jews and all of humanity.The entire Rambam family mourns the loss of innocent lives through sheer hatred. In memory of the victims, and in praise of the brave first responders who prevented what could have been an even greater tragedy, we will lower our flag to half-staff this week. We will continue to stand in solidarity with the Jewish people and with Israel – for life, security and peace.

Republican Jewish Coalition, National Chairman Norm Coleman: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news coming out of Pittsburgh today. The prayers of everyone at the RJC are with the victims, their family and friends, and the entire Tree of Life Congregation. It appears that at least eight people have lost their lives, and several others have been wounded, in this senseless act of anti-Semitic violence. There is no place in our society for violence against innocent people, especially violence motivated by race, religion, or sex. The level of hate in this country is out of control. Today we mourn the dead and stand in awe of the men and women who ran toward the gun fire to help the victims and stop the perpetrator. In the days ahead, we all must come together to combat this epidemic of hate. From the left, the right, and all other corners of our political spectrum, we must come together to find a better path forward.”

Simon Wiesenthal Center:  “We are sickened by this horrific attack at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s historic Jewish neighborhood.  Our thoughts and prayers are with  families of the dead and injured as well as the rest of the congregation and Jewish community,” Rabbi Marvin Hier and Abraham Cooper, Dean and Founder and Associate Dean and Director of Global Social Action of the leading Jewish Human Rights NGO said in a statement released Saturday night in Austria. The Rabbis will be leading a memorial program at Mauthausen Concentration Camp Sunday morning.

“The Simon Wiesenthal urges President Trump to address nation in wake of mass shootings at Pittsburgh Synagogue … and to convene emergency meeting of religious leaders to help stop the slide to extremism in American Society,” they added. “Americans need and want leadership from the from both sides of the political aisle to stop the continuous slide to the brink.  The President should also immediately convene a cross section of faith leaders to help turn the tide against hate and extremism.” This Wednesday the SWC will release a national poll that shows a plurality of Americans believe the US is headed to a Civil War.”

StandWithUs — “StandWithUs staff and board members around the US, Israel, Canada, the UK are shocked and heartbroken by today’s savage anti-Semitic act of mass murder in Pittsburgh, at the Tree of Life synagogue during a baby naming ceremony.  Our international community mourns with the Pittsburgh community and the family members of the victims.  We are so grateful to local law enforcement and wish a rapid and complete healing to the 4 officers who were hurt by the terrorist. Law enforcement put their lives in harm’s way and deserve our deepest appreciation.  May the memories of the eleven souls who lost their lives this morning at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh be a blessing to people of good will, and may their families find the strength to deal with this horrific tragedy.

“The anti-Semitism that struck Pittsburgh today isn’t a Jewish problem. Anti-Semitism is everyone’s problem. The war that starts against the Jews doesn’t end with the Jews. Anti-Semitic incidents have increased almost 100% in 2017 and have spiked even higher the past few weeks.  Anti-Semitic acts that take place on campuses or on the internet should be stopped in their tracks and should be everyone’s concern.   Often law enforcement is hampered because they don’t operate with a clear definition of anti-Semitism. We need laws to define anti-Semitic crimes if we want to defeat them.  We have that definition of anti-Semitism in our State Department, and it should be the standard for all law enforcement. At StandWithUs, we take up the fight against anti-Semitism here and across the world. We must have the courage to defend ourselves and the wisdom to acknowledge that we need that defense.”

Temple Emanu-El, San Diego: Rabbis Devorah Marcus, Benj Fried, Martin Lawson — “Today has brought us the very worst kind of news and reality – the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh is horrific and the depth of our sorrow for the community and those who lost their lives while celebrating Shabbat at a Brit Milah is indescribable. That this grotesque act of hate and violence should occur at a time when Jews were gathered to celebrate Shabbat and to welcome a new child into the Covenant with God is devastating for us all. This morning at the synagogue we made the choice to carry on with Torah study and services in an act of defiance against those who would seek to diminish and terrorize our people. We dedicated the mitzvah of our study and our prayer to those who were attacked and we supported each other through an incredibly difficult and painful mourning. As always, we were strengthened by the beauty of our community as our wonderful students led us in our morning prayers. Seeing them attend with their parents and grandparents affirmed that, in the midst of the tragedies of our world, there is no place better to be than at the synagogue supporting each other and building a life of meaning and goodness together.

“We were also strengthened by the immediate and efficient response of our Security Committee, especially Cathi Marx and Linda Greenberg. They were in immediate coordination with our security company, who was already adjusting protocols for the day, the ADL and through the ADL, the San Diego Police Department. In coordination with our Security Committee and with the support and approval of our presidents, we will be having significantly increased levels of security through the election, at which time we will work with our local law-enforcement advisors to re-evaluate and adjust. Among other things, this means that we will have closed and monitored gates, so please allow extra time for increased screening when arriving for events at the synagogue. The safety and security of everyone in our community is our highest priority and our Security Committee will continue to work in close coordination with our security company, the ADL, and SDPD.

“As a community we will be reflecting on this travesty for months, and years to come. As an immediate response we will do two things. The first is that we will continue with all of our scheduled programs, schooling, and activities. We will stand strong as a community and we will not allow any individuals or group of terrorists to diminish our engagement in Jewish life and community building. Tomorrow morning Torah School be in session as usual with strongly enhanced security and, like every week, we will work to infuse our students with a love of Jewish learning and Jewish living. The second is that we will work to establish a time and place to come together to mourn as a community and to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Pittsburgh.”

The Israel Project (TIP), CEO & President Joshua Block:  The Israel Project condemns the attack on the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, mourns the loss of life, and expresses our support for the victims and their families at this difficult time. The attack was clearly motivated by anti-Semitism – a growing trend in the U.S. that can no longer be ignored or explained away. According to the ADL, 2017 saw a 60% increase in acts of assault, harassment, and vandalism against Jews and Jewish institutions. In 2018, there are more people running for elected office in this country, who espouse anti-Semitic views, than ever before.  FBI statistics show over 50% of religious Hate Crimes are attacks on American Jews. These are shocking developments and our community needs to begin a serious dialogue about how to respond effectively. Today is a very sad day for all of America. Targeting people on the basis of religious and cultural identities goes against everything we stand for as Americans and as a country. These tragic events underscore the importance of safeguarding our cherished democratic freedoms. Fighting anti-Semitism is not the responsibility of the Jewish community alone. Fighting anti-Semitism is a responsibility for society at large.”

Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America,President Moishe Bane and  Executive Vice President Allen Fagin;  Rabbincal Council of America President Rabbi Elazar Muskin and Vice President Rabbi Mark Dratch  — “The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America and the Rabbinical Council of America express their deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in the horrific murders that took place during Shabbat services this morning at the Tree of Life Congregation in Pittsburgh.  We pray for the speedy recovery of those injured in the shooting, including the brave police officers who rushed directly into the active crime scene. This senseless act of anti-Semitic violence was not only an egregious attack on the Jewish community, but an attack on the very foundations of civil society and our collective democratic values,” said Allen Fagin, the Orthodox Union’s executive vice president.

“Our hearts break for the senseless murder of our fellow Jews and all victims of vicious hate crimes,” said Moishe Bane, president of the Orthodox Union.  “We condemn the dangerous rhetoric that foments such senseless violence and we stand with the Tree of Life Congregation and the whole Pittsburgh community at this terrible time.”

“We live in contentious times, when fringe elements of society have become emboldened by speech which is often disrespectful and hateful,” said Rabbi Elazar Muskin, president of the Rabbinical Council of America.  “As a nation, committed to the freedom and rights of all, we must commit to reach out not only to those who are like us – but especially as our sacred Torah has taught us – to those with whom we disagree.”

“One of the greatest privileges of those who are fortunate to be citizens of the United States is the freedom to worship as we believe and to live in safety and security. We need to come together as a nation to protect these precious gifts for all members of all faiths,” said Rabbi Mark Dratch, executive vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America.

Zioness Movement: “Today, in a shooting spree at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, the Jewish people suffered a collective trauma. No matter where we were born, no matter where we reside, no matter what denomination represents our faith, we are horrified, terrified, and shattered. We mourn the tragic loss of our Jewish brothers and sisters, and those who were there to protect them, who were murdered in cold blood as they prayed together on a Shabbat morning and celebrated the Brit Milah of a newborn Jewish boy. In America in 2018, while uniting in a house of prayer, these innocent victims were targeted as Jews. The shooter announced on Twitter that he blamed Jewish people for our work to provide refuge to those seeking shelter from persecution. In the most perverse paradox, while we are told that we are not welcome in social justice spaces unless we abandon Zionism––our own self-determination movement––we are murderously targeted by those condemning our commitment to the advancement of human rights and self-determination for all.

“We have a civic obligation, as Americans and as human beings, to stand up NOW to resist the normalization of bigotry––against Jews, against Democrats, against African-Americans and all people of color, against immigrants and refugees, against our trans brothers and sisters and the LGBTQ community more broadly. Our lives literally depend on it.”

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Preceding culled from news releases. This story will be updated as developments warrant.