Statement on Anniversary of Pittsburgh Shooting

Two years ago today, in an act fueled by anti-Semitism and anti-immigrant hatred, eleven people were murdered at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh. The building was home to three Jewish communities — Tree of Life * Or L’Simcha Congregation, Congregation Dor Hadash, and New Light Congregation — all gathering for worship on a Shabbat morning. 

On this yahrzeit, October 27, so much hangs in the balance. With ever-deepened commitment, we continue to fight for our country as we wish it to be: a country that protects and upholds the deeply Jewish and American values of safety, freedom, welcome, and justice. 

We will never stop mourning the individuals who lost their lives that day. May their memories be for a blessing. May our collective actions bring about a more just, compassionate, and welcoming country.

Watch: A message from Mark Hetfield.

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